Cape Arago State Park

One day while at Coos Bay, OR, we thought we’d explore a state park on the other side of the land area on which Coos Bay resides.  We didn’t really have any idea of what to expect, and got a treat in more ways than one!!

Our first view of the state park’s attraction were some great sights!!  We stood on the cliff overlooking some great views off that cliff.  We were fascinated by the view in the bottom of image above.  Those small growths that look somewhat like trees or plants are very sturdy!  We watched the waves crash over them repeatedly, and they easily withstood the bombardment.  Perhaps they aren’t anything growing?  Even more amazing if, in fact, they are some sort of rock formation!!

The state park was a gift given to the state back in 1932, and consists of 134 acres.  Many of these acres look out on what is called Simpson Reef (named after the husband & wife who made the gift).  We walked down a path to a point where we could see seals (or sea lions?) resting on the rocks that are protected from the brunt of the ocean waves by that reef.  We decided to try to see if we could get a better view of them from another vantage point

While walking back from the point, we noticed a couple of interesting things.  The first was this mushroom.  I love the color of it and the texture that can be seen of the under portion of the cap.  The lighting was wonderfully diffused, so everything could easily be seen.  The second image is of a banana slug.  Ok, I know that there is a need for these in nature, altho I don’t know what it is.  And, I was perfectly willing to just live and let live – I just hoped I wouldn’t have to see any more of them!!

Wow!  Did we see the seals/sea lions when we got to a better vantage point to see them!!  And, as it turns out, there are often 4 different types on the rocks.  Two are sea lions (the California and Steller Sea Lions) and two are seals (Harbor Seal and Northern Elephant Seal).  I don’t think we saw any elephant seals.  They are generally much larger than the others, and they can actually be quite mean!!  We ran into some on another trip – in fact, I about tripped over one, thinking it was a log!) - I thought he was going to attack me.  I especially like the bottom image – looks like a fun day at the beach!

Yes, there is a lighthouse at Cape Arago State Park, too!  It does sit out on Chief’s Island and I loved watching the waves crash around it.  This lighthouse was a beacon for ships entering Coos Bay, OR, until it was decommissioned on January 1, 2006.  The original lighthouse was built in 1866 and was little more than a lighted tower that was eventually replaced by a newer, better located lighthouse, which was eventually replaced by this third lighthouse, illuminated in 1934.

I thought I’d end this blog with a beautiful view of the south Oregon coastline from Cape Arago State Park.  Yes, it rains a lot along the coast, but we were lucky to enjoy this lovely weather day, and simply reap the rewards from all that rain!

Enjoy!