Until floods in 1861 washed the deposits out to sea, placer mining in the beach sands was profitable here; hence the name. There is still some mining farther up the Rogue River. Gold Beach is at the mouth of the Rogue River, on the south shore; Wedderburn is on the north bank. Agate hunting is popular at the mouth of the Rogue River. The river is also well-known for steelhead and salmon fishing. Surf fishing and clamming are possible at many excellent beaches. The Siskiyou National Forest is at the edge of town and a Ranger District office of the forest is located here.