Dog-Friendly Gold Beach & Cape Blanco
Luna at Cape Blanco State Park
SEEKING A COOL SUMMER ESCAPE?
Our husky mutts, Luna and Linus, are always looking for a refreshing retreat! The Oregon coast, with its mild summers, offers plenty of dog-friendly beaches, accommodations, and camping options to beat the heat and enjoy some quality time with our dogs. Being from California, we are no Oregon experts, but here are a few of our southern Oregon highlights.
GOLD BEACH
Gold Beach in southern Oregon is a fantastic starting point for a dog-friendly adventure up the Oregon coast. Think uncrowded beaches to roam, the beautiful Rogue River to explore, and plenty of nature all around to enjoy together.
HIKES
Lola Lake Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail through the trees to the beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas, and there were very few people or dogs on the trail and beach.
333 Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail through the forest to another secluded beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas.
Kissing Rock to Hunter Creek Beach is a 4-mile out-and-back walk along a peaceful, uncrowded beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash.
PLACES TO STAY
The Pacific Reef Hotel offers dog-friendly rooms and a prime location just steps from the beach, right in the heart of Gold Beach—perfect for exploring the coast with our pups.
Honeybear RV Park Just north of Gold Beach, Honey Bear RV Park spans more than 50 acres of meadows, creeks, and forested trails. RV and tent sites are available as well as on-site hiking, and easy beach access.
Taylor Creek Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast nestled just a couple of miles from the beach, near the iconic Kissing Rock. Set on 35 peaceful acres, the lodge offers plenty of room to roam, including a designated off-leash dog area. The Myrtle & Cedar Suites are dog-friendly.
CAPE BLANCO STATE PARK
We loved our time camping at Cape Blanco State Park near Port Orford on the Oregon coast. The campground features 52 spacious and fairly private sites equipped with water and electricity as well as four reservable cabins, two of which are pet-friendly. The campground tends to fill up, especially in the summer, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
The beach is a short walk from the campground and was not crowded. Dogs are welcome on the park's eight miles of hiking trails and the beach, provided they are leashed or under voice control.
Also, don't miss the historic 19th-century Cape Blanco Lighthouse, perched 200 feet above the sea, offering panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into maritime history. (Note: Dogs are not allowed inside.)
One of the unexpected perks? Free hot showers—a rare find at many California campgrounds, which are often coin-operated.
Whether you're strolling windswept beaches or hiking coastal trails, the Southern Oregon Coast offers unforgettable adventures for both you and your pup. This stretch of coast was the start of our road trip to the San Juan Islands—you can read more about dog-friendly San Juan Islands here.
Staying cool on the Oregon Coast
