This ancient, Native American stomping ground is rumored to have sheltered Sir Francis Drake's ship as he searched for the Northwest Passage. Rich in history, Cape Arago remains a popular stop-off for modern day coastal explorers.
Cape Arago State Park is located on 145 acres at the end of the road leading out of Coos Bay. The cape's viewpoints and hiking trails offer visitors prime views of the sculpted sandstone rock formations, sheer cliffs and an overlook of Simpson Reef and Shell Island, a National Wildlife Refuge that boasts a menagerie of sea lions, whose barking echoes throughout the area. Fishing boats often dot the horizon and whales are frequently spotted just offshore.
When you're ready to hit the hiking trail, pick between two paths leading to the northern and southern ends of the cove. Down south, lose yourself in an impressive spread of colorful tide pools or head north for more scenic views. Cape Arago State Park adjoins with Shore Acres State Park and Sunset Bay State Park and you can hike the entire length of the three parks for some of the most stunning views you will experience in just 2.5 miles. Wherever you wander upon this rocky headland, you'll be thrillingly close to the mighty Pacific. Tread carefully!
Some of the beach trails are closed March through June during the seal pup rearing season. Cape Arago State Park is located 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay and just over five miles from the port town of Charleston.
Cape Arago State Park
Published: 06/21/2014 Updated: 08/16/2019
Sandstone rock formations and sheer cliffs make for spectacular views along scenic Cape Arago trails.
Photo by Gary Hayes
Cape Arago is a main attraction on Oregon's south coast and a highly recommended side-trip off Coast Highway U.S. 101.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s Adventure Coast is where the soul meets the sea. Year-round fun outside and in!
Bandon Dining
Award-winning cuisine, unique wines, and the best dining experience on the Southern Oregon Coast. Click to view.
Lodging
Beautifully updated guest rooms overlooking Old Town Bandon to the Pacific Ocean. Click to see our current rates.
Published: 06/21/2014 Updated: 08/16/2019
Sandstone rock formations and sheer cliffs make for spectacular views along scenic Cape Arago trails.
Photo by Gary Hayes
Cape Arago is a main attraction on Oregon's south coast and a highly recommended side-trip off Coast Highway U.S. 101.
This ancient, Native American stomping ground is rumored to have sheltered Sir Francis Drake's ship as he searched for the Northwest Passage. Rich in history, Cape Arago remains a popular stop-off for modern day coastal explorers.
Cape Arago State Park is located on 145 acres at the end of the road leading out of Coos Bay. The cape's viewpoints and hiking trails offer visitors prime views of the sculpted sandstone rock formations, sheer cliffs and an overlook of Simpson Reef and Shell Island, a National Wildlife Refuge that boasts a menagerie of sea lions, whose barking echoes throughout the area. Fishing boats often dot the horizon and whales are frequently spotted just offshore.
When you're ready to hit the hiking trail, pick between two paths leading to the northern and southern ends of the cove. Down south, lose yourself in an impressive spread of colorful tide pools or head north for more scenic views. Cape Arago State Park adjoins with Shore Acres State Park and Sunset Bay State Park and you can hike the entire length of the three parks for some of the most stunning views you will experience in just 2.5 miles. Wherever you wander upon this rocky headland, you'll be thrillingly close to the mighty Pacific. Tread carefully!
Some of the beach trails are closed March through June during the seal pup rearing season. Cape Arago State Park is located 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay and just over five miles from the port town of Charleston.
Cape Arago State Park is located on 145 acres at the end of the road leading out of Coos Bay. The cape's viewpoints and hiking trails offer visitors prime views of the sculpted sandstone rock formations, sheer cliffs and an overlook of Simpson Reef and Shell Island, a National Wildlife Refuge that boasts a menagerie of sea lions, whose barking echoes throughout the area. Fishing boats often dot the horizon and whales are frequently spotted just offshore.
When you're ready to hit the hiking trail, pick between two paths leading to the northern and southern ends of the cove. Down south, lose yourself in an impressive spread of colorful tide pools or head north for more scenic views. Cape Arago State Park adjoins with Shore Acres State Park and Sunset Bay State Park and you can hike the entire length of the three parks for some of the most stunning views you will experience in just 2.5 miles. Wherever you wander upon this rocky headland, you'll be thrillingly close to the mighty Pacific. Tread carefully!
Some of the beach trails are closed March through June during the seal pup rearing season. Cape Arago State Park is located 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay and just over five miles from the port town of Charleston.
Access to an intimate cove beach and hiking trails to the end of Cape Arago with spectacular views around every turn, make this park... [read more]
Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific, then explore the beautifully maintained formal gardens of this one-time private estate, now Shore Acres State Park. Gorgeous... [read more]
A short side trip off Coast Highway U.S. 101 near Port Orford leads to Oregon's westernmost point and a picturesque lighthouse in a dramatic... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s Adventure Coast is where the soul meets the sea. Year-round fun outside and in!
Bandon Lodging
Beautifully updated guest rooms overlooking Old Town Bandon to the Pacific Ocean. Click to see our current rates.
Bandon Dining
Award-winning cuisine, unique wines, and the best dining experience on the Southern Oregon Coast. Click to view.