Ophir Beach stretches for nearly six miles along the southern Oregon coast, creating one of Curry County's longest and most serene beach destinations approximately 11 miles north of Gold Beach. This expansive sandy shoreline connects with neighboring Nesika Beach to form an uninterrupted coastal experience perfect for long beach walks, solitude, and wave watching. Access points along Highway 101 provide numerous opportunities to reach the sand, with the main developed access at Ophir Wayside offering ample parking for cars and RVs, restrooms, picnic tables, and a water spigot for rinsing sandy feet. The beach rarely becomes crowded even during peak season, making it an ideal escape for visitors seeking peaceful coastal experiences away from busier tourist beaches. Year-round access with no day-use fees and the beach's protected southern exposure create favorable conditions for extended visits.
The south end of Ophir Beach generates the largest waves along this stretch of coast, attracting surfers who appreciate the consistent swells and uncrowded lineup. Fishing enthusiasts consider both Ophir and Nesika Beach among the best locations in Curry County for surfperch, with productive fishing possible from the surf zone during incoming tides. Beachcombers search the sand and tide line for agates, jasper, and other semi-precious stones that wash up particularly after winter storms, with the beach's length providing ample territory to explore. The expansive tidal zone reveals tide pools at the rocky points, where visitors can observe sea stars, anemones, shore crabs, and small fish. While swimming is not recommended due to cold water temperatures and strong currents typical of Oregon's coast, wading and beachcombing remain popular activities. Nature viewers watch for harbor seals offshore, migrating gray whales during spring and fall, and abundant seabirds including pelicans, cormorants, and various gull species.
Gold Beach offers excellent dining options just 11 miles south of Ophir Beach, with several waterfront establishments overlooking the Rogue River and Pacific Ocean. Port Hole Cafe sits in the Cannery Building at the Port of Gold Beach where the Rogue River meets the ocean, serving award-winning clam chowder, fish and chips made with fresh local rockfish, enormous Dungeness crab salads, and home-baked fruit pies including marionberry and chocolate cream. Crow's Nest Lounge at 29850 Ellensburg Avenue features stunning Rogue River views alongside their specialty fish tacos, burgers topped with Tillamook cheddar, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood platters. Nor'Wester Seafood provides harbor-side dining with grilled wild salmon, pan-seared halibut, steaks, and pasta dishes featuring local ingredients. Spinner's Seafood Steak and Chop House prepares prime rib, grilled steelhead, and Dungeness crab cakes with cocktails and Oregon wines. The Bite's On serves seafood baskets, clam strips, oysters, and ocean-view dining in a casual atmosphere.
Ophir Beach lacks lifeguard services, and visitors should exercise extreme caution around the water due to cold temperatures year-round and the presence of sneaker waves that can sweep people off their feet without warning. The powerful surf and undertows make swimming dangerous, and beachgoers should never turn their back on the ocean. Parents should closely supervise children and keep them well away from the waterline. The south end's larger waves create hazardous conditions for inexperienced surfers, and even experienced surfers should use appropriate cold-water wetsuits given ocean temperatures typically ranging from 48-55 degrees. Check tide tables before exploring tide pools at rocky points to avoid being trapped by incoming water. The beach's remote character and limited development mean cell phone coverage may be spotty in some areas. Ophir Beach's expansive shoreline, excellent surfperch fishing, consistent surf, and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite for visitors seeking an authentic Oregon Coast experience away from crowds.
