Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint
Oregon State Park

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, OR
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountain Biking
  • Paddle­boarding
  • Scenic Over­looks
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Beach­combing
  • Whale Watching
  • Kayaking
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
43–62 °F50–69 °F45–69 °F42–55 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Gold Beach Rs, 9 mi away, elevation 50 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

✓Compiled by the America’s State Parks Editorial Team from official state park agency sources. Fees, seasons and hours change — verify with the park office before you go.

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is a public state park in Oregon in Curry County. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Location & Getting There

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is located Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 42.2767, -124.3945.

Explore More Oregon State Parks

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint overlooks one of the most dramatic windswept beach landscapes on the Oregon coast — a wide expanse of beach scattered with sea stacks and backed by coastal bluffs. The site hosts the Pistol River Wave Bash — one of the premier windsurfing and wave sailing competitions in North America, attracting world-class athletes each June. The consistent strong winds that make the area ideal for wind sports also shape the ecology — shore pines grow into contorted, wind-sculpted forms. The river mouth provides habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Peregrine falcons nest on the headland cliffs. The offshore sea stacks — protected as Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge — support nesting colonies of common murres, Brandt’s cormorants, and tufted puffins.

Nearby Attractions

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor — the “crown jewel” of the Oregon coast — stretches south with viewpoints, coves, and sea stacks. Gold Beach and Jerry’s Rogue Jets offer Wild & Scenic Rogue River excursions. Cape Sebastian (700-foot viewpoint) provides panoramic coastal views. Brookings — Oregon’s “banana belt” — enjoys the warmest winter temperatures on the coast. Alfred A. Loeb State Park protects ancient myrtle wood groves. Redwood National and State Parks are 60 miles south.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor (a short drive away) and Otter Point State Recreation Site (a short drive away).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
Pet fees statewide rule
$10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine

Are dogs allowed at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Park Map

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, OR

Plan your gear for Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: