Kayaking & Paddle Adventures — Rogue River, Chetco River & Coastal Lakes
From the Rogue River (Gold Beach) to the tidewater of the Chetco River (Brookings/Harbor)—plus calm-water gems like Garrison Lake (Port Orford) and Floras Lake (near Langlois)—Curry County is a paddler’s paradise on the Southern Oregon Coast.
Always check tides, winds, river flows, and access rules before launching. Wear a PFD and dress for cold water.
🛶 Where to Paddle (Launches, Routes & Maps)
Rogue River Estuary — Gold Beach
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Route: Protected estuary with side sloughs; seals and seabirds; best on slack tide.
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Planning: NOAA Tides — Gold Beach • USGS Rogue River at Agness (flow)
Chetco River Tidewater — Brookings/Harbor
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Launch: Port of Brookings Harbor public ramp/pier (check parking & fees)
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Route: Flat, scenic tidewater; frequent birding and seal sightings; calm mornings are ideal.
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Planning: USGS Chetco near Brookings (flow) • NWS Marine Forecast
Garrison Lake — Port Orford
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Launch: Public launch/park (map search)
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Why go: Calm water behind foredunes; great for families, SUP, sunrise/sunset.
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Nearby: Post-paddle lookouts at Port Orford Heads
Floras Lake — Near Langlois
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Launch: County park access on the NE shore
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Why go: Broad lake with a short dune barrier to the beach; wind-sports afternoons, calmer mornings for kayaks/SUPs.
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Pair with: Langlois beach strolls or a Port Orford sunset.
🌊 Tides, Wind, River Flow & Safety
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NOAA Tides — Gold Beach (Rogue estuary)
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USGS Rogue River at Agness • USGS Chetco River near Brookings
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NWS Marine & Coastal Forecasts — winds, swells, small-craft advisories
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Wear a USCG-approved PFD, carry whistle/light, dress for immersion; avoid bar areas and heavy surf.
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Best windows: light morning winds; slack/ebb tides for estuaries; launch only at signed/allowed sites.
🪶 Wildlife Watching & Paddling Etiquette
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Watch for harbor seals, river otters, herons, egrets, and seasonal shorebirds.
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Keep distance from wildlife and haul-out sites; never approach pups.
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Rinse gear to prevent aquatic invasive species transfer between lakes/rivers.
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Pack out all trash; avoid sensitive eelgrass and marsh edges.
🗓️ Sample Day Itinerary (Gold Beach → Brookings → Port Orford)
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Launch at the Port of Gold Beach; explore the Rogue River estuary near slack tide. |
| Late Morning | Drive south to the Port of Brookings Harbor; paddle the Chetco tidewater. |
| Lunch | Picnic near the harbor or cafés in Brookings. |
| Afternoon | Head north to Garrison Lake for a calm-water sunset paddle. |
| Evening | Dinner & viewpoints in Port Orford; optional beach walk at Battle Rock Wayside. |
🏪 Rentals, Guides & Classes (Find Local Options)
Call ahead for availability, PFDs/leashes, and day-of wind/tide recommendations.
🏡 Ready to Live Near Your Favorite Launch?
If paddling the Rogue, Chetco, or coastal lakes like Garrison and Floras has you dreaming of a home base on the Southern Oregon Coast, our team at Freedom Realty can help. We serve Gold Beach, Brookings/Harbor, Port Orford, Langlois, Ophir, and Nesika Beach.
Visit Freedom Realty | Call 541-373-6302 | Email Us
Office: 29917 Harbor Way Unit 422, Gold Beach, OR 97444