Gold Beach, Oregon

Gold Beach, located at the mouth of the Rogue River, began its start in 1853 when the valuable mineral was discovered here. The mines did not do well in comparison to other areas, but the town survived. Then, in the early twentieth century, salmon-rich streams piqued the interest of gentleman fishermen like Jack London and Zane Grey. The shoreline near Gold Beach is breathtaking.

Take a rest at Cape Sebastian State Park, a 7-mile-south rocky outcropping with views ranging from California to Cape Blanco. Stretch your legs on a 1.5-mile walking track to the cape; from December to April, look for whales. Jet-boat excursions up the Rogue River, one of Oregon's wildest and most isolated rivers, are another popular activity in Gold Beach. There is plenty of wildlife to see, including deer, elk, otters, beavers, eagles, and osprey.