RECREATION

With its natural landscape of mountains and sea, Curry County residents are able to enjoy the outdoors at most any time of year. Harris Beach State Park is an Oregon State Park located on US Hwy 101. The park itself is home to a campground and Bird Island, a National Wildlife Refuge. In Curry County residents can hike to waterfalls, head to the beach, fish and crab on the Southern Coast, surf or scuba in the Pacific or explore area tide pools. The neighboring Siskiyou National Forest offers white water rafting, wilderness camping, fishing and winter snowmobiling amongst boat ramps, hundreds of miles of trails for bicycles, skiers and hikers. Or if you’re looking for some indoor fun, visit the Curry County Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s Native American history.

EDUCATION

Area schools that serve Curry County and Brookings include Kalmiopsis, Azalea Middle School, and Brookings-Harbor High School. Schools that serve Curry County and Gold Beach include Riley Creek, Driftwood Elementary School, and Pacific High School. Higher education in the area is provided by Southwestern Oregon Community College, Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University, to name a few.

ECONOMY

While mining is still a viable industry in Oregon’s South Coast, the local economy has reoriented to agriculture and timber, exporting Port Orford cedar and Myrtlewood. In addition, the county produces blueberries, horticultural stock and Easter lilies. Tourism also contributes to the area economy, mostly due to the Forest Service owning 59% of the land in the county. Salmon, hazelnuts, wine production and timber also serve as major contributors to the state’s economy.