Access: From US 101 in Coos Bay  or North Bend, follow signs to Charleston and Ocean Beaches.  Roads merge at a “Y” intersection  in Coos Bay’s Empire district, heading west on Newmark Avenue.  Newmark Avenue reaches the bay and  turns left (south), becoming Cape Arago  Hwy.  The road  continues four miles to Charleston.  Continue on Cape Arago Highway heading west past Bastendorff County  Park to Sunset Bay State Park day use,  located on the right (west) side.  At the main entrance and parking  area, drive to your left to the second parking lot.  The trailhead is located at the  right corner of the parking lot across a little footbridge.

Setting  and Attractions: Currently, this section of the coast trail ends at Cape Arago, but there are plans to have the trail continue down to Whiskey  Run beach and connect with other sections located further south.  Sunset Bay State Park has a  hiker/biker camp and a gorgeous beach.  From the Sunset Bay, the trail  winds around the coastal bluffs offeringspectacular views of the rugged  Oregon coastline, past Shore Acres Botanical Gardens and Simpson Reef  viewing area to the captivating Cape Arago State Park.

·Trail  Description: From  Sunset Bay the trail winds along the coastal bluffs.  Along the way there’s a sign for  the Norton Gulch trail.  This  is a little side trail 0.25 mile in length that ends at a peaceful cove  and beach.  After hiking back  up to the main trail, in 2 miles you’ll reach the Shore Acres.  This boasts a great lookout and  botanical gardens with a breathtaking array of native and exotic plants,  including a rose garden.  The  trail continues on the other side of the gardens.  After winding along the coast  you’ll come to the Simpson Reef/Shell Island  overlook, a great place to see sea lions, harbor seals and elephant  seals.  The trail then crosses  the road and begins on the other side, crossing back after a little ways  and continuing to Cape Arago State Park.  It’s necessary to walk along the  road towards the end of the trail that leads to the park.  Cape Arago has two trails to the  south and north coves.  Both  coves feature beautiful tide pools with  a great diversity of sea creatures and plant life. These area are protected and removal of the plants  and animals is prohibited.  Pets must be kept on a six foot or shorter leash and under  control at all times on trails and beach areas within state park  boundaries. 

For  more information, trail conditions and maps contact:  Oregon Department of Parks & Recreation at (541)888-8867 ext.26 or  visit the Oregon State Park web site at www.prd.state.or.us