Curry: Discover the Coast, Trails, and History

Curry showcases its coastline in many different ways: hiking trails lead to beaches and viewpoints, rock formations shape the shore, and historic sites tell stories of lighthouse and rescue history. When planning a vacation rental, it helps to first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Coastal landscapes and special viewpoints

At Cape Blanco State Park, more than eight miles of trails lead to beaches, ocean-view overlooks, fishing spots on the Sixes River, and the lighthouse. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor also combines coastal views with trails: Highway 101 runs through the twelve-mile corridor between Brookings and Gold Beach. Turnoffs lead to picnic areas, viewpoints, and trailheads that connect to an 18-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail.

At Harris Beach State Park, the landscape includes several trails, miles of sandy beaches, and rocky outcroppings with views of offshore cliffs. Bird Island, also called Goat Island, is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and a nesting site for puffins. At Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, dunes, tide pools, and a river system shape the surroundings; the waters attract water and shore birds and are good for birdwatching. The viewpoint is also a windsurfing spot where several national championships have been held.

Compare trails by length and destination

Trails in Curry lead to different destinations and vary in length. From Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, a one-mile hike leads to views of the rugged coast and Oregon sunsets. Natural Bridges in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is reached by a short trail; its distinctive features are seven prominent rock arches and blowholes. At Cape Sebastian, panoramic views from parking areas more than 200 feet above sea level take in the coast. A 1.5-mile walking trail winds through a Sitka spruce forest to lower areas of the cape.

At Humbug Mountain State Park, a 5.5-mile loop trail leads to the summit of Humbug Mountain. The park is open year-round for day use and camping. The old roadbed within the park boundary also serves as the Oregon Coast Trail; trail conditions may change.

Lighthouse and rescue history

Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built in 1870 and is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Gold Beach also has a historic connection to the region: In the early 1850s, miners gave their coastal settlement this name after discovering gold in the sand at the mouth of the Rogue River. Gold Beach became the Curry County seat in 1858.

Port Orford Heads State Park preserves the site of the Port Orford Lifeboat Station, built by the Coast Guard in 1934, which provided rescue services for the southern section of the Oregon coast until 1970. The Crew Quarters house a museum with a 36-foot motor lifeboat, historic artifacts, and interpretive displays about the station’s history. Three trails are named Tower, Headland, and Cove. Prehistoric Gardens offers another glimpse into the past, focusing on the Mesozoic Era, known as the Age of Reptiles, from 251 to 65.5 million years ago.

Nature experiences and activities in the county

From Alfred A. Loeb State Park, the northernmost stand of redwoods in the United States can be reached via the Riverview Nature Trail and the one-mile Redwood Loop of the U.S. Forest Service. Fishing, swimming, rafting, and walks on the Riverview Nature Trail are also possible in the park. Activities in Curry County also include clamming, crabbing, and freshwater and saltwater fishing. Scenic boat trips upriver add to the options.

When searching for a vacation rental, you can set your priorities based on these specific experiences, such as coastal trails and viewpoints, birdwatching, hikes, or historic sites. If you’re planning a family trip, you can compare different types of outings and decide which places matter most for your vacation. Finding a suitable base starts with choosing destinations, not with a blanket assumption about the amenities of individual accommodations.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gold Beach, Port Orford, Brookings, Harbor, Langlois.

Back to the main travel overview: Oregon.