The Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, located 10 miles south of Gold Beach and 18 miles north of Brookings, offers a one-mile stretch along the Pistol River that has become a prime destination for rockhounding enthusiasts.

This area holds historical significance as the site of a decisive battle in 1856 during the Rogue River Indian War. The river earned its name when a soldier reportedly lost his pistol during the battle, giving rise to its unique title.

A popular spot for rock collectors is the large gravel bar near the parking area at milepost 339, just north of the bridge. However, don't limit yourself to this location—Ariya’s Beach, nearby, is also excellent for rockhounding, particularly during summer. In the winter months, tides and storms often shift the sand, revealing new treasures and making rockhounding even more fruitful.

Pistol River Rockhounding

This area is particularly well-known for its rich rockhounding opportunities, thanks to the gravel bars that have accumulated rocks from river tributaries in the Coast Range. The variety of gemstones is impressive, with abundant large pieces of white quartz and brecciated jasper in red, green, and bluish hues. You might also come across petrified wood and, occasionally, rare pieces of nephrite jade.

Agates are another highlight, varying in size from small, clear, banded pieces to larger, more robust specimens. If you're lucky, you might even find some striking carnelian agates. For the best results, explore the gravel bars along the riverbanks and search in the shallow water during low tides, when gemstones are more likely to be uncovered.

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is also popular for various recreation activities, including surfing, windsurfing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching.

Ocean windsurfing is great here because the wind blows almost every day from May to September. The national windsurfing championships Pistol River Wave Bash has run in June annually.

Gold Beach and its vicinity is a fantastic getaway destination for any outdoors enthusiast providing numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors including jet boat trips, hiking, fishing, windsurfing, and rockhounding.