The Incredible Oregon Park You’ll Want To Visit Over And Over Again
By Catherine Armstrong|Published August 17, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re looking for more gorgeous places to visit along Oregon’s coast, you might want to check out this beautifully serene beach that’s not far from Shore Acres State Park.
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