Curry County, Oregon is the south-westernmost county in Oregon. It is also one of the greenest and the least dense in the state. (There are only three incorporated cities in the county.) Lovers of the outdoors should feel right at home in Curry County, whether they love going outdoors or not. Below are a few suggestions for whenever you should find yourself traveling through this beautiful part of the country.
1. Jet boat rides. Along the Rogue River exists an old tradition of mailboats. A hundred years ago, there didn’t exist any roads upriver, so all the towns and smaller settlements received their mail and supplies via specialized jet boats from Gold Beach, Oregon. Today the jet boat tradition is still around even if the old towns are gone and there are now state roads to the remaining ones. Tours exist for those looking for a wet and wild adventure complete with sightseeing up the Rogue River wilderness.
2. Cape Blanco Lighthouse. Just north of Port Orford, Oregon is the Cape Blanco State Park, home of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The lighthouse is now an interesting museum in which you can climb to the top and get a great view of the cliffs and oceans. But that’s not the best part. Cape Blanco marks the westernmost point in the forty-eight states. It’s recommended to visit during the summer, as winter winds sometimes reach as high as 130mph on average.
3. Driving down Highway 101. The coastal highway is the main means of transportation in Curry County. It winds its way along the coast, hugging the cliffs south of Port Orford and all the way to California. During the summer it offers a fantastical view. It only takes one hour to drive the length of the Curry County highway, from Port Orford to Brookings, so fuel up and go for the scenic drive of your life.
4. Go hiking and camping. Curry County is a camper’s dream. Dozens of quality campsites and RV places exist along the coast that offer a genuine experience. Many have access to famous hiking trails and trips to the beach. (All beaches are public in Oregon.) Specifically, Humbug Mountain in northern Curry County is a popular tourist spot for hiking, camping, and beachcombing.
5. Go back in time. Whether it’s a hundred years or a million years, Oregon has you covered. Maritime and settler museums exist aplenty, so there is always something for the history buff to check out. Not into people history? The Prehistoric Gardens 13 miles north of Gold Beach feature life-sized models of dinosaurs existing among Oregon’s natural rain forests. You can’t miss it: there’s a to-scale T-rex standing right next to the highway!
At first glance it may seem there’s nothing to do in Curry County, Oregon, but soon you find that there’s plenty to keep you and your family occupied. Whether it’s storm watching in the winter or beachcombing in the summer, there is something for everyone in Oregon’s most beautiful and quietest county.
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