Whisky Run Beach extends along the Pacific Ocean at the terminus of Whiskey Run Road, six miles northwest of Bandon off Seven Devils Road in northern Coos County. This secluded beach earned fame as Oregon's most unexpected gold rush site when the Groslius brothers discovered rich placer deposits in black sand near Whiskey Run Creek mouth during winter 1852-1853. Within months, hundreds of miners descended on the beach, establishing the boomtown of Randolph that swelled to 1,500 residents before collapsing when gold deposits depleted by 1855. Chinese miners worked the creek into the early 1900s, followed by Ocean-Beach Gold Platinum Dredging Company mechanized operations through World War II when federal government halted gold mining to focus on war materials. Today fine gold particles still wash ashore in black sand deposits, attracting recreational prospectors panning Whiskey Run Creek and beach sands during low tide.
Swimming at Whisky Run 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 exposed during low tides following winter storms when semi-precious agates, jaspers, and petrified wood wash ashore. Whisky Run ranks among southern Oregon's premier agate beaches according to Oregon Tourism Commission recommendations. The creek mouth provides excellent hunting during minus tides when broader beach areas expose gemstone-rich gravel beds. Surfing attracts experienced wave riders during westerly swells. Beachcombing for driftwood, shells, and gold panning in creek sands prove rewarding. Horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking access the beach via trails from the parking area. Harbor seals haul out on beaches during spring pupping season.
Access Whisky Run Beach via Highway 101 north from Bandon, turning left onto Seven Devils Road and following it to Whiskey Run Road turnoff leading to the small paved parking lot at road's end. The parking area accommodates approximately 20 vehicles with no day-use fees charged. A short trail leads directly from parking to the beach with minimal walking distance across soft sand. The beach remains accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles at designated entry points during low tide. No facilities exist at Whisky Run Beach, lacking restrooms, drinking water, or picnic tables. Visitors must pack out all trash. The site operates without posted hours, accessible dawn to dusk year-round. Low tide access permits beach walks north to Fivemile Point, with high tide requiring trail routes over rocks above the beach. Cell phone service proves unreliable. Bay Area Hospital operates 20 miles southeast in Coos Bay at 1775 Thompson Road providing emergency services.
Dining concentrates in Charleston eight miles north and Bandon six miles south. Fisherman's Grotto at 91149 Cape Arago Highway in Charleston serves fish and chips, clam chowder, and fresh seafood with patio seating. Miller's at the Cove at 63346 Boat Basin Road prepares fish tacos, burgers, and clam chowder using local ingredients. Lord Bennett's Restaurant at 1695 Beach Loop Road in Bandon serves pan-seared halibut, grilled salmon, and Dungeness crab cakes with ocean views. Edgewaters Restaurant in downtown Bandon cooks fresh seafood, fish tacos, and clam chowder with Coquille River panoramas. Tony's Crab Shack on First Street serves Dungeness crab cocktails, fish and chips, and clam strips in a waterfront takeout shack operating since 1982. Whisky Run Beach's gold rush heritage combined with exceptional agate hunting and remote location creates southern Oregon's most historically significant beach destination, where 1850s prospectors once panned black sand for gold along the same shoreline where modern rockhounds search for semi-precious gemstones washed ashore by Pacific storms.
