Agate Beach stretches one mile along the Pacific Ocean at Tseriadun State Recreation Site in Port Orford, 60 miles south of Coos Bay and 90 miles north of the California border in southern Curry County. This gravel and coarse sand beach sits at the end of 9th Street where Garrison Lake flows into the ocean, creating a freshwater lagoon separated from the Pacific by a narrow barrier beach. The name Tseriadun derives from the Tututni Native American word meaning agate beach, honoring the semi-precious gemstones washing ashore here for thousands of years. Port Orford developed in the 1850s as Oregon's westernmost incorporated city, serving as a deepwater port where ships anchored directly offshore and cranes hoisted cargo from lighters due to the harbor's exposure preventing dock construction. The city claims the most westerly point in the continental United States along Highway 101, with Battle Rock marking where settlers fought Tututni warriors in 1851 during Oregon's earliest coastal conflicts.
Swimming at Agate Beach proves dangerous due to powerful Pacific surf, rip currents, cold water temperatures averaging 50-55 degrees year-round, and complete absence of lifeguard services. Sneaker waves strike without warning along this exposed coastline. Ocean swimming remains unsafe at all times. Agate hunting dominates recreational activities, with rockhounds searching gravel deposits during low tides following winter storms from December through March when powerful waves expose rock beds hidden beneath summer sand. Agates glow orange when backlit by sunlight, helping collectors identify semi-precious stones among ordinary pebbles. Jaspers, fossilized wood, and colorful shells wash ashore alongside agates. The coarse gravel beach permits easy walking without trudging through deep sand. Tide pool exploration during minus tides reveals purple sea stars, green anemones, sea urchins, and hermit crabs creating colorful displays. Surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing attract experienced water sports enthusiasts. Garrison Lake adjacent to the beach provides freshwater fishing for stocked rainbow trout.
Access Agate Beach via 9th Street off Highway 101 in Port Orford, following it west to the free parking lot at Tseriadun State Recreation Site. The lot accommodates approximately 30 vehicles with no day-use fees. A portable toilet serves visitors year-round. An easy 200-yard gravel and sand trail descends from parking to the beach. The site operates without posted hours, accessible dawn to dusk daily. No drinking water exists at the site. Tide tables prove essential for safe beach exploration, available at Port Orford Visitor Center. Garrison Lake offers boat launch facilities for kayaks and small watercraft. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. Curry General Hospital operates 27 miles south in Gold Beach at 94220 Fourth Street providing emergency services.
Dining concentrates along Highway 101 in downtown Port Orford two blocks east. Crazy Norwegians at 259 6th Street serves fish and chips, shrimp and chips, burgers, sandwiches, and clam chowder Friday through Monday 10am to 7pm using fresh Pacific catches. Redfish Restaurant offers classic French and Modern American cuisine using Pacific Northwest ingredients with gorgeous Port Orford Bay views. The Salty Dawg Highway 101 at 460 Madrona Street prepares burgers, bar food, and American fare in a casual atmosphere. Portside Market and Deli serves breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, and deli items in a locally owned market. Mr. Ed's The Underground Pub cooks American pub fare and craft beers. Cafe 2.0 prepares breakfast and lunch with espresso drinks and baked goods. Agate Beach's combination of exceptional rockhounding, Tututni heritage, and adjacent Garrison Lake creates Port Orford's premier beach destination, attracting gem collectors seeking agates and jaspers along Oregon's westernmost coastline where freshwater lagoon meets Pacific Ocean surf.
