The Pistol River estuary is located on the Oregon coast at Pistol River. The estuary is approximately 230 acres in area and has a watershed of approximately 106 square miles.

The Pistol River estuary is designated as a Natural estuary under the Oregon Estuary Classification system. The geomorphology of the area is that of a Blind estuary.

The Pistol River estuary is located in Curry County. The formerly mining centered economy of Curry County has largely reoriented to agriculture and timber. Port Orford cedar (Lawson Cypress) and myrtlewood are important export products. Port districts were established at Port Orford in 1919 and Gold Beach in 1955. The county has excellent grazing areas for raising cattle and sheep. The county also produces blueberries, horticultural nursery stock, and ninety percent of all Easter lilies raised in the United States. Vacation and recreational possibilities in the county draw tourists to the area and provide additional economic diversity. The first county census in 1860 showed a population of 393 in Curry County. There has been a steady increase in population with the 1997 population given at 22,200, a 14.9% increase over 1990.

The North Pistol River Dunes Trail is a 'make your own trail' which can be done in less than an hour in and back. Hike towards the miniature dunes following the line between the estuary to the left and jumbled masses of flotsam and brush to the right. Cross the dunes to the beach, then explore to your feet's desire.