The main beach area in Gold Beach is South Beach. It stretches for about five miles from the Rogue River South Jetty to Cape Sebastian. South Beach is sometimes called Hunter Creek Beach, named after Hunter Creek, which flows into the Pacific Ocean near Kissing Rock.

Kissing Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks on South Beach. This large sea stack rises above the shoreline near the highway, surrounded by smaller offshore rocks.

There are several stories about the origin of its name, but the most common one suggests it was once a romantic meeting spot for couples along the coast.

Beach Access Points

South Beach has multiple access points: the South Jetty, the Gold Beach Visitor Center, and the Kissing Rock pullout at Hunter Creek Bridge.

Collecting Rocks in Gold Beach

Gold Beach is well known among rockhounds for its productive beaches and river-influenced gravel deposits. The nearby Rogue River continuously brings new material to the shoreline and beach bars.

Common finds include agate, jasper, gabbro, quartz, and petrified wood. Some of the most sought-after pieces are large banded agates and brecciated jasper.

The gravel bars and shoreline near Hunter Creek are considered some of the best areas for rockhounding. The best time to search is during low tide, especially after strong winter storms that expose fresh material.

Gold Beach offers a wide range of coastal activities, including beachcombing, rockhounding, fishing, surfing, tidepooling, and scenic hiking.

South Beach also hosts an annual glass float treasure hunt similar in spirit to the Finders Keepers Glass Floats Event in Lincoln City. From early February through April, sections of the beach between the South Jetty and Kissing Rock are used for hiding handcrafted glass floats above the surf line in driftwood and grass.

Visitors are allowed to keep one float and tagged floats can be redeemed at the Gold Beach Visitor Center for prizes.

The long stretch of beach is also popular for fat tire biking, coastal hikes, and surf fishing. Anglers target salmon in late summer and fall, while surf fishing is possible year-round depending on conditions.

Nearby attractions include Otter Point State Recreation Site, Tseriadun State Recreation Site, and Prehistoric Garden.