Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago State Park is a coastal gem in Oregon offering stunning ocean views, rich marine life, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

134
Acres Protected
3
Miles of Trails
50,000
Annual Visitors
1934
Year Established

About Cape Arago State Park

 

Located on the rugged Oregon coastline, Cape Arago State Park offers visitors dramatic cliffs, tide pools filled with vibrant marine life, and breathtaking ocean vistas. The park's varied terrain supports ecosystems ranging from lush coastal forests to sandy shores. Historically, the area has been significant for the Coquille tribe and later as a location for the Cape Arago Lighthouse, which guided mariners along the foggy coast. Key recreation opportunities include hiking along bluff-side trails, exploring tide pools, and observing seals and sea lions at Shell Island, a wildlife refuge within the park's boundaries. Visitors are drawn to the park not only for its natural beauty but also for its relatively uncrowded beaches, which are ideal for picnicking and photography, particularly during sunset.

Highlights

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Cape Arago Lighthouse views

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Shell Island for seal and sea lion viewing

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Scenic lookout points over rugged coastlines

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Picturesque tide pools filled with sea life

Notable Natural Features

Cape Arago Lighthouse

Visible from the park, this lighthouse is a historic beacon on the coast.

Shell Island

An offshore protected area known for its large population of seals and sea lions.

Simpson Reef Overlook

Offers views of sea lions and a variety of birds among offshore rocks.