Cape Arago's
State Parks

How can I get there?
Follow Cape Arago Highway, traveling about five miles southwest of Charleston and approximately 16 miles west of US Highway 101 via Seven Devils Road.

For more information

Sunset Bay State Park (Headquarters for Cape Arago SP)

541- 888-3778, ext. 45

www.oregonstateparks.org/park_94.php

Cape Arago hosts three adjacent state parks: Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago. Each boasts unique opportunities to explore sandy beaches, tidepools, and ragged cliffs, where land and sea collide.

Carved from hard stone by turbulent seas and vicious storms, the rocky shore of Cape Arago is home to multitudes of marine organisms that can tolerate limited exposure to air, sun, and rain. Nearby opportunities include watching marine mammals from ocean overlooks and hiking forest trails that connect Cape Arago's three state parks.

What’s special about Cape Arago? Here you can gently explore rocky tidepools at South Cove to discover the surprisingly beautiful intertidal life. The best time for tidepooling is during low tides of one foot or lower; begin your exploration an hour or so before the lowest predicted level to lessen the chances of being caught by the returning tide. For safety's sake, keep an eye on the surf and on your route back to the shore. And it’s a good idea to have a partner in your explorations, in case of any unexpected challenges. Like most popular tidepooling locations in Oregon, Cape Arago is closed to taking marine organisms without a permit: take pictures and memories, but leave the inhabitants in their homes.

Visit Simpson Reef Overlook to watch four different kinds of seals and sea lions that rest on the offshore rocks. Winter into early spring offers an amazing opportunity to view migrating gray whales. On summer weekends, volunteer docents from Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA) are avalable to answer questions and explain wildlife activities.

Cape Arago's rocky headlands and sheltered coves give ample opportunities to experience the dynamic encounter between sea and land. Open to the public in the daylight hours, Cape Arago's State Parks offers parking, viewing stations (at Simpson Reef Overlook), interpretive signs, and restrooms.