Gold Beach – the crown jewel of Oregon’s stunning Pacific coastline! This picturesque town is a magnet for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who can’t resist it’s stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes and world-class fishing. It’s like a siren call for those who love to get their feet wet and their hearts racing.
Getting to this Pacific paradise is half the fun and luckily, you’ve got options! Whether you’re a fan of quick, direct flights or don’t mind a bit of a road trip adventure, there are convenient airports nearby ready to make your Gold Beach dreams come true. So, buckle up and get ready for an in-depth look at the closest airports and how to make your way to this coastal wonderland. Trust us; the journey is just as exciting as the destination!
North Bend Municipal Airport – The Closest Airport to Gold Beach
Located just 32 miles north of Gold Beach, North Bend Municipal Airport (OTH) is the closest and most convenient airport for visitors. The airport serves the city of North Bend and surrounding Coos County region. With it’s proximity to coastal attractions like Gold Beach as well as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, it is a popular airport for outdoor travelers.
What Airlines Fly into North Bend Municipal Airport?
While many small regional airports only offer expensive charter planes, North Bend provides scheduled commercial flights through two major airlines:
- United Express, serving as a feeder airline for United Airlines, operates multiple daily flights between North Bend and San Francisco International Airport.
- PenAir offers daily flights to Portland International Airport. From Portland, connections are available across the country and internationally.
Renting a Car is Recommended
Alright, adventurers! North Bend Municipal Airport has your back when it comes to getting around. They’ve got rental car options from Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise, so you can hit the road and explore Gold Beach and beyond in style.
Now, if you’re not feeling the whole “rental car” vibe, don’t worry! You can always hop on the Bay Cities Shuttle or snag a ride with a taxi or rideshare app. But let’s be real – having your own set of wheels is like having a golden ticket to the wonders of Oregon’s Southern Coastline.
Just picture this: you, cruising down the scenic roads, wind in your hair and the freedom to stop and marvel at the jaw-dropping views whenever you darn well please. Trust us, with limited public transit in this neck of the woods, a rental car is your key to unlocking the full potential of your coastal adventure!
Accommodations Near North Bend Airport
Since it is located just over half an hour’s drive from Gold Beach, North Bend Airport offers several good accommodation options for those with late arrival or early morning flights:
- The Best Western Holiday Inn is only 1.5 miles from the airport and includes free airport shuttle service. It offers clean, comfortable rooms and excellent customer service.
- For a historic option dating back to the 1920s, the charming Sunset Bay State Park with beachfront camping and cozy cabins is located 4 miles from the airport along the stunning Pacific coast.
- The Mill Casino Hotel is also only 4 miles away and provides free 24-hour airport shuttle services. On-site entertainment includes gaming, dining and live music.
Rogue Valley International Medford Airport
let me introduce you to the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR)! Sure, it’s a bit of a trek at 106 miles north of Gold Beach, but hey, that just means more time for car karaoke and snack breaks during the 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Now, here’s the best part: Rogue Valley is like the big sibling of regional airports. It’s got connections with all the cool kids like Allegiant Air, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Plus, with more flights and lower costs compared to North Bend, you can save some cash for those beachside cocktails and souvenir shopping sprees.
So, if you don’t mind a little extra road time and love the idea of more flight options and budget-friendly fares, Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is your golden ticket to the Southern Oregon Coast!
Why Fly into Medford Airport?
Some key advantages to choosing Medford Airport over North Bend are:
- More daily nonstop flights to major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
- Lower fares thanks to more competition between a greater number of airlines and routes.
- Greater choice of car rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.
Accommodations in Medford, Oregon
Most Gold Beach visitors choose to pick up a rental car from Medford Airport to reach the coastline in just over an hour.
However, some late night arrivals or early morning departures make staying in Medford easier. There are hundreds of hotel options available, but some top choices nearby include:
- Inn at the Commons – Highly rated hotel adjacent to the airport offering free airport shuttle service.
- Holiday Inn Express – Only 0.2 miles from the airport terminal with relaxing vibe and friendly service.
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham – All-suite hotel 0.28 miles from the airport providing guests contemporary rooms with kitchens. Free airport transportation and hot breakfast provided.
Now that you know how to easily access Gold Beach through the closest regional airports let’s look at what awaits you in this coastal paradise!
The Best of Beautiful Gold Beach, Oregon
Get ready to fall head over heels for Gold Beach, the little town that could! Nestled along Oregon’s “Wild Rivers Coast” (because why have a tame coastline when you can have a wild one?), Gold Beach is like the poster child for pristine landscapes.
Picture this: you’ve got the mighty Pacific Ocean on one side, the Rogue River watershed on the other and legendary Oregon forests all around. It’s like being surrounded by a nature-themed security detail, but instead of bodyguards, you’ve got trees, rivers and ocean waves watching your back.
And the best part? Adventures are everywhere! Whether you’re exploring the town or braving the untamed shoreline, Gold Beach is ready to keep you on your toes. So, pack your sense of humor and your adventurous spirit, because this small town is about to show you a wild good time!
Pristine Beaches, Stunning Coastline
It’s the area’s unspoiled beaches and coastline that bring most visitors to the Gold Beach shores. Protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, you can experience both stretches of sandy beach perfect for relaxed strolls and more rugged, rocky headlands teeming with tide pools and marine life.
The stunning Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor covers over 10 miles of this shoreline with numerous marked roadside viewpoints from which to take in the crashing Pacific waves, sea stacks, arches and offshore rocks.
Beautiful spots include Secret Beach, Thunder Rock Cove, Natural Bridges, Shore Acres viewpoint and Whaleshead Beach – regarded as one of Oregon’s most breathtaking stretches of coast with it’s rocky cliffs and sea caves.
World-Renowned Salmon and Steelhead Fishing
The Rogue River that enters the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach brings with it extraordinary salmon and steelhead fishing unlike anywhere else. Hugely popular from spring through fall, anglers flock here to try and snare prized Chinook salmon and winter steelhead as they move upstream.
While you can fish directly off Gold Beach at the river mouth, most serious anglers charter guided drift boat fishing tours that take you 10-20 miles upriver through the unspoiled Rogue River Canyon for the very best action and scenery. Along the way, stunning views of the Wild Rogue Wilderness and wider Siskiyou National Forest unfold.
Hiking Trails Galore
When you manage to draw yourself away from Gold Beach’s shoreline, hit the area’s extensive hiking trails traversing coastal headlands, old-growth forests and along the upper Rogue River.
Top picks include the Otter Point Trail looping along spectacular Cape Sebastian and Cape Ferrelo Loop offering nonstop ocean vistas. Just 6 miles upstream, hike out to Quail Prairie Falls passing through wildflower meadows and along canyon ridges.
Several hiking trailheads also access the famous Oregon Coast Trail – a scenic long distance route traversing the entire Oregon coast. Hike as little or as much as you like soaking up this rugged Pacific landscape.
Additional Area Attractions
Beyond it’s beaches and trails, downtown Gold Beach offers plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions to keep visitors happy. Peruse art galleries, antique stores and gift shops or stop by the Curry Count Historical Museum to learn about this region’s rich history.
When evening rolls around, enjoy fresh seafood and tap beers at popular Port and Starboard Restaurant & Lounge right on the Rogue River waterfront. It’s large deck allows for relaxing over drinks while taking in dramatic sunsets across the river mouth to the Pacific Ocean. A perfect ending to your Gold Beach getaway!
FAQs
At just 32 miles from Gold Beach, North Bend Municipal Airport is the nearest air access. However, it only provides a few daily flights to Portland and San Francisco on small planes.
North Bend has flights through United Express (to San Francisco) and PenAir (to Portland). Very limited service.
Fares are typically more expensive flying into North Bend instead of the larger Rogue Valley airport. Expect to pay $200-$300+ for North Bend flights.
Yes, rental cars are available onsite from major agencies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Budget. Having your own wheels is recommended for exploring the Gold Beach area.
No direct public transit. You can book local shuttle companies like Bay Cities Transport or take a taxi. Rideshares also pickup from the airport.
Expect a comfortable 11⁄2 to 2 hour drive time to Gold Beach from the more distant Rogue Valley International Airport near Medford along highways I-5 and 42.
Final Thoughts
For most visitors, Rogue Valley International Airport offers the best combination of affordable fares, abundant flight choices and easier access to rental cars for reaching Gold Beach in under 2 hours. The range of direct flights eliminates the need for connections which can save significant time.
However, North Bend Municipal Airport allows you to truly fly into “close” proximity of Gold Beach at only 32 miles out. If wishing to avoid extended drives and flight prices meeting your budget, North Bend can be a good option despite having fewer flights. Rental cars are still available if securing your own transportation.
Ultimately it comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If maximizing flight options and minimizing fares is crucial, Rogue Valley International serves best. Those who prioritize absolute shortest commute can opt for North Bend flights. Either way, the wondrous Gold Beach coast awaits just a quick, scenic drive away upon landing in either Medford or North Bend.