Cape Arago State Park
Cape Arago State Park
5
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- advcardsReno, Nevada4,449 contributionsFree experienceA little drive to get here through a very tree line road but definitely worth it. The views of the ocean phenomenal couple of moderately, maintain trails to hike down to the ocean other than that there’s an easy walk from the parking area. Recommended if you have about an hour to kill from coos bayVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2024
- KMilFamClearwater, Florida87 contributionsViews, sea lions and tide poolingAmazing state park with no day use fee. There were no trail maps that we could find, and there are no signs for trails, however the two we took were well maintained, gravel/paved with packed dirt in places, and benches to rest along the way. The first stop we made was the pull out and parking area that you first come to when entering the park. The trail to the right takes you down to a stunning lookout where you can view a beach with giant driftwood logs along the right and a large colony of sea lions straight ahead. When we arrived, you could hear the sea lions barking from the parking lot. Pups were on the island ahead, and many adults were lounging on the rocks directly below us, some were diving in and hunting for fish, then heading over to the island. Lots of activity around 8 am. From there the road makes a loop to head back out the way you came in. Nearly at the end of the loop, there is a trail head and parking on the side of the road. This trail is moderately steep, but well maintained, and will take you down to the beach. Stunning views on the way down and back up, but the treat is on the beach. If you can time your arrival about an hour before low tide, there are great, easy access tidal pools to explore, much easier to explore than the ones at Sunset Bay (where you need to climb lots of very slippery rocks) I wouldn't recommend taking the trail down to the beach until there is some light though, so time accordingly. At the end of the trail there are 2 very steep spots that take you to the beach, there is a rope to help with the acscent and decent, about 7 feet. Dont let this put you off, we are in our 50's and did it without issue. Facing the water to the far left there are rocks with tide pools, we saw a few dozen of the rare ochre seastars in the pools, anemones, snails, crabs and small fish. We have been tide pooling along the OR coast, and this was by far the best one we did.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 August 2024
- JanelleKSaint Cloud, Minnesota93 contributionsSeals and sea lions at the end of the road!Totally agree with KMilFam, with extra advice to keep going until the end of the road for the sea lion colony. We stopped at two earlier pullouts, great hikes off those down to the crashing sea, and we spotted individual seals surfing but thought we had missed the big group everyone described - that’s at the end of the road. Keep going and that spectacle and sound is a hoot!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Ed D
3 contributions
Jan 2020
many opportunitys for many activities. hiking down to south cove is a very nice hike, one time i found an octopus in the big rocks to the south, awesome. There is also a ww2 radar ,lookout placement you can hike to also .
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMilFam
Clearwater, FL87 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Amazing state park with no day use fee. There were no trail maps that we could find, and there are no signs for trails, however the two we took were well maintained, gravel/paved with packed dirt in places, and benches to rest along the way.
The first stop we made was the pull out and parking area that you first come to when entering the park. The trail to the right takes you down to a stunning lookout where you can view a beach with giant driftwood logs along the right and a large colony of sea lions straight ahead. When we arrived, you could hear the sea lions barking from the parking lot. Pups were on the island ahead, and many adults were lounging on the rocks directly below us, some were diving in and hunting for fish, then heading over to the island. Lots of activity around 8 am.
From there the road makes a loop to head back out the way you came in. Nearly at the end of the loop, there is a trail head and parking on the side of the road. This trail is moderately steep, but well maintained, and will take you down to the beach. Stunning views on the way down and back up, but the treat is on the beach. If you can time your arrival about an hour before low tide, there are great, easy access tidal pools to explore, much easier to explore than the ones at Sunset Bay (where you need to climb lots of very slippery rocks) I wouldn't recommend taking the trail down to the beach until there is some light though, so time accordingly. At the end of the trail there are 2 very steep spots that take you to the beach, there is a rope to help with the acscent and decent, about 7 feet. Dont let this put you off, we are in our 50's and did it without issue.
Facing the water to the far left there are rocks with tide pools, we saw a few dozen of the rare ochre seastars in the pools, anemones, snails, crabs and small fish. We have been tide pooling along the OR coast, and this was by far the best one we did.
The first stop we made was the pull out and parking area that you first come to when entering the park. The trail to the right takes you down to a stunning lookout where you can view a beach with giant driftwood logs along the right and a large colony of sea lions straight ahead. When we arrived, you could hear the sea lions barking from the parking lot. Pups were on the island ahead, and many adults were lounging on the rocks directly below us, some were diving in and hunting for fish, then heading over to the island. Lots of activity around 8 am.
From there the road makes a loop to head back out the way you came in. Nearly at the end of the loop, there is a trail head and parking on the side of the road. This trail is moderately steep, but well maintained, and will take you down to the beach. Stunning views on the way down and back up, but the treat is on the beach. If you can time your arrival about an hour before low tide, there are great, easy access tidal pools to explore, much easier to explore than the ones at Sunset Bay (where you need to climb lots of very slippery rocks) I wouldn't recommend taking the trail down to the beach until there is some light though, so time accordingly. At the end of the trail there are 2 very steep spots that take you to the beach, there is a rope to help with the acscent and decent, about 7 feet. Dont let this put you off, we are in our 50's and did it without issue.
Facing the water to the far left there are rocks with tide pools, we saw a few dozen of the rare ochre seastars in the pools, anemones, snails, crabs and small fish. We have been tide pooling along the OR coast, and this was by far the best one we did.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelvinPusfinger
Temecula, CA703 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This is a pleasant State Park. There are some nice views, but nothing, particularly outstanding, memorable or spectacular. Unlike the nearby Shore Acres state park, there is no entrance fee. Essentially there are a series of parking places and you can view the ocean. In one place there is a very popular spot for sea lions and seals. You would probably spend less than an hour here.
Written 17 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanelleK
Saint Cloud, MN93 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Totally agree with KMilFam, with extra advice to keep going until the end of the road for the sea lion colony. We stopped at two earlier pullouts, great hikes off those down to the crashing sea, and we spotted individual seals surfing but thought we had missed the big group everyone described - that’s at the end of the road. Keep going and that spectacle and sound is a hoot!
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
advcards
Reno, NV4,449 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
A little drive to get here through a very tree line road but definitely worth it. The views of the ocean phenomenal couple of moderately, maintain trails to hike down to the ocean other than that there’s an easy walk from the parking area. Recommended if you have about an hour to kill from coos bay
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginny Z
West Chester, PA426 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
There are actually four parks on Cape Arago...Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, Simpson Reef, and Cape Arago. The first, Sunset Bay, is the most crowded and commercialized. The second, Shore Acres, is the old estate of a former timber baron and there is a fee of $5 per car to enter. The third, Simpson Reef, is the most interesting in that as soon as you get out of your car, you can hear the seals and sea lions barking from the reefs. Cape Arago is the fourth and furthest point in the state parks. There is a coastal trail that runs along the cliffs and can be accessed from any of the four points. Make sure to walk along this trail for fantastic views of the coast, especially between Sunset Bay and Shore Acres.
Written 25 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ROLAND R
Surrey, Canada444 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We had been driving through Coos Bay for years on our return from California. I thought it was a mill town - not worth stopping. But I did some homework and decided that it was worth a day trip from our haunt in Yachats to Coos Bay to find this place. We drove south past Florence, crossed the bridge leading into North Bend and drove into downtown Coos Bay. We had to watch for the signs '540' and 'State Parks'. We had no idea what waited at the end of the Cape Arago Hwy. after we had passed through the port of Charleston. Past Shore Acres. A dead end loop. An exit out of our SUV. And a mesmerizing, spiritual view of the wild Pacific Coast. Take the time to find this place and on your way back, you may even want to have a late lunch in old town Coos Bay (maybe The Little Italy Restaurant). Kind of reminds us of another old town - Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia.
Written 7 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJ-Eric
NJ441 contributions
Just before reaching Cape Arago, specifically at the Simpson Reef Overlook, was the best view of the seals and sea lions....including elephant seals! Therer were hundreds of them, with a couple varieties of seals and two varieties of sea lions. This was a July 28 sighting....I have no idea on other dates. Bring your binoculars though.
Written 30 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OregonTopaz
Coos Bay, Oregon22 contributions
Sept 2019
This park takes awhile to reveal its treasures. The views are spectacular, often times with whales spouting. Above the south cove there is a plaque commemorating Sir Francis Drake's presence in the area. There is also excellent tidepooling at low tide in the south cove. The north cove can at times offer up close views of barking sea lions.
Further on that trail, when not closed due to seal pups, there are excellent sea level views of the sandy island where many sea lions congregate. The tide makes a difference in the coves, so check before visiting.
Further on that trail, when not closed due to seal pups, there are excellent sea level views of the sandy island where many sea lions congregate. The tide makes a difference in the coves, so check before visiting.
Written 29 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula W
Medford, OR81 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
This one of our favorite places to go in the CoosBay area. The scenery is amazing to just sit and watch. The waves come crashing in over the rocks making it seem so violent all the time. Beautiful and a must see if coming to this area.
Written 23 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As we head to Cape Arago State Park is there any area or trail we should take to wind up where the seals are likely to be? I'm not sure how large this park is and if there are choices of trails, etc? Any thing we shouldn't miss?
Written 14 July 2018
None that I know of it's kinda hit and miss I had stumbled upon 1 laying on beach only twice
Written 15 July 2018
Do you need a pass to go into the state parks and do you know where to get one near coos bay
Written 23 May 2018
No pass needed unless you go to sunset beach it's 5 dollars usually you get them inside park kinda like atm put in cash get sticker you can get daily pass it's 5 dollars.
Written 23 May 2018
You might check in nearby Charleston or the docks in Bandon.
Written 18 January 2018
Elizabeth B
Walla Walla, Washington
Is there any hope of seeing tide pools next week around Thursday, August 3? If not is there something else natural or historical that you would recommend. We have a day there as we're passing through.
Written 28 July 2017
I'm sure you would be able to see tide pools. Have to check tide table. On some days Sunset Bay State Park has guided tide pool walks with a ranger. Check with the campground ahead of time. They usually have their tide pool walks posted.
Written 29 July 2017
travel_like_wind
Santa Clara, California
We will be Coos Bays for one night. Arriving around 5PM and leaving the next day. We want to do Whale Watching and visit Tide Pool. What is the best time to do this activities ?
We are doing a road trip to Portland and want to stay one night on Oregon's Coast. Is there any other towns that you would recommend to do stay for a night ?
Written 26 June 2016
There have been excellent responses to your inquiries. One night on the coast is not enough to see much, btw. Suggest with so little time you just focus on enjoying what is open and available. Suggest against trying to cram too much into the time. Just enjoy wherever you spend the night.
Written 15 August 2016
Libraricat
Seattle, Washington
Hi, how steep are the trails? I have bad knees so I'm nervous about making the long drive from Seattle and then not being able to really enjoy the park.
Written 17 June 2016
Some of the trails are quite steep but plenty are not. Most of them are actually level; running across the top of the cape in one direction or another. It is even possible for people with somewhat limited mobility to access the picnic tables partially down the North side of the cape where the view is spectacular. But it isn't necessary to do much more than step out of your car for most of the outstanding views. Not well marked, but on the South side of the Cape (As you're headed out, around the loop, on the right) there is a pull out spot and if you stop here and walk a short distance across the grass (no steep inclines or declines) there is a bench at the cliffs edge that offers a breathtaking view. In short, it is not necessary to do much walking at all in order to fully enjoy this wonderful place.
Written 19 June 2016
Hi Just looking at comments about Cape Arago State Park and it sounds amazing.
Is the road up the hill suitable to drive a 25' Motorhome?
Thanks Ann
Written 8 February 2016
The roads through the Park are easy to navigate with a 25 ft Motor home, and plenty of places to park, and of course there is a state campground with hook ups for your Motor Home.
Place reservations early as possible. Have Fun.
Written 27 June 2016
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