Shore Acres State Park Is An Incredible Oregon Park You Ll Want To Visit

Oregon’s coastline is full of natural beauty, but sometimes you can find little spots where the natural wonders of our state coexist with the artistry of humans. Shore Acres State Park is a unique blend of rugged beauty and sophisticated charm. Take a look:

Shore Acres State Park is located along the Cape Arago Highway. You’ll find it just south of Coos Bay. The day-use only park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, and there’s a small parking fee of $5.

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The 745-acre park occupies land that once belonged to Louis Simpson, a timber baron whose estate stood here in the early 1900s. Louis was the son of Captain Asa M. Simpson, who established the town of North Bend in 1855. Louis and his wife, Lela, built their home here on the cliffs high above the ocean.

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The landscaped gardens are absolutely stunning. Louis Simpson had his estate planted with trees and flowers from all over the world. He sold the property to the state in 1942, and though it went through a period of neglect, the gardens have been restored to their former glory.

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The gardens include a rose test garden, formal gardens, and a Japanese garden with a pond. You’ll want to allow at least an hour or so to stroll these beautiful grounds and soak in the scenery.

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Stroll down the walkway to the overview, where you can watch the tide coming in and have views for miles.

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The waves crashing onto the rocky shore can be very impressive, depending on the time of year.

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The weather up on the cliff can be chilly and quite windy, so you’ll want to duck into the observation house for a minute. This little building sits on the site where Louis Simpson’s mansion once stood. You’ll have an incredible view from up here.

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You’ll also find lots of information about the history of the Simpson family, the estate, and the wildlife that calls this park home.

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A short hike will take you along a trail, through the trees and down to Simpson Beach.

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Along the way, you’ll catch plenty of ocean views. During migration season, keep an eye out for the many gray whales that are seen here.

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Simpson Beach sits in a small, protected cove. It’s a nice spot to dig your toes into the sand, and stroll along the shoreline.

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The next time you find yourself exploring the coast, you’ll certainly want to spend some time at Shore Acres State Park. Don’t forget your camera!

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Visit the Shore Acres State Park website or more information, and if you’d like to see some more beautiful photos of Oregon’s natural beauty, join our Oregon Nature Lover’s Group.