The best road cycling routes in Curry County

There is an American Indian legend about this place. Some say they hear the voice of a maiden in the wind, and when standing on the cliff overlooking the ocean, one can easily pick out the face on Face Rock. There is a well-maintained path to the beach and several rocky tidal areas to explore at low tide.

The Rogue River Bridge, also known as the Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge, was completed in 1932 and named after the Oregon governor who advocated for its construction. It offers a fantastic view where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. As you cross the bridge, you will likely see a variety of boats on the river, including fishing vessels, pleasure crafts, and the famous Rogue River jet boats. Keep an eye out for coastal birds such as seagulls and pelicans, and during migration seasons, you might even spot whales in the distance.

Otter Point Recreation Site is a secret paradise on the Oregon Coast. This unmarked gem requires insider knowledge to find, but a short, effortless walk from the parking area leads to the breathtaking Otter Point, a sandstone peninsula high above the Pacific. On a clear day, you can see nearly 100 miles of coastline, from Cape Blanco down to northern California. There are beaches on either side of the point, perfect for finding your own secluded spot to enjoy this beautiful place.

Battle Rock Wayside Park gets its name from the historic battle that occurred at Battle Rock, a basalt promontory located at the north end of the park. In 1851, the Qua-to-mah Native Americans fought against Captain William Tichenor’s men in this area. The park features picnic tables and a beautiful, secluded stretch of beach. Keep an eye out for pelicans diving into the water close to the nearby dock, which is a busy spot for commercial fishermen.

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a jewel of the Oregon coast. This 4,700-acre reserve offers beautiful views of the estuary and surrounding forests with a great visitor center that provides information on the area's ecosystem, history, and ongoing research. There are miles of hiking trails and opportunities to go kayaking or canoeing, or you can take a guided tour to learn more about the estuary's diverse flora and fauna. There is no entry fee, and the visitor center and restrooms are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$8 for bike and hiker. very good, with showers.

Trip advice is inaccurate. The road from Powers is paved, but only to the saddle on the route shown. (My understanding is that it is paved you turn west at a Y just shy of the saddle, which joins the road into Gold Beach about half way there.) It is decent gravel down to the Agness Jct -- but with lots of rafting traffic in summer. A far more scenic, even bucolic, route is to take the eastern dirt road at the saddle which winds its way down. Just above the Rogue River Trailhead, the road becomes paved and a few miles later joins the main road down from the saddle. Very little traffic on this road.

Port Orford, a quaint artistic fishing town on the Southern Oregon coast, where mountains and forests meet the ocean. It holds the distinction of being the oldest platted town.