Sunset Bay to Cape Arago is a 8.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Coos Bay, Oregon that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
This hike is a beautiful coastal walk along a strip of Oregon coastline. This amazing hike starts in beautiful Sunset Bay, takes you through beautiful gardens in Shore Acres State Park, stops at a sea lion viewpoint off a road and ends with a closeup view of sea lions at Cape Arago. The return trip takes you a slightly different way for different coastal views past amazing rock formations. It is an easy afternoon and you should definitely bring a camera!
January 3, 2021January 2, 2021We did this Labor Day weekend. I have done a few times before but it was new for my husband. It was really fun. You can stop and see the ocean in places.
December 29, 2020We’ve been doing this trail in pieces as we have time. We started at Lighthouse Point, hiked down into Norton Gulch, then back up to the top meadow and around the cliff sides and down into Sunset Bay and then took the road back up around to Lighthouse Point lookout. It was gorgeous, but also muddy in a lot of places, which made things a bit slippery. Other than that, things were great!
December 29, 2020October 19, 2020Taking this trail in bits due to time constraints.
October 19, 2020October 14, 2020September 19, 2020September 13, 2020Foggy views and amazing, clear trail.
July 12, 2020We started at Simpson Reef Overlook and headed north. Originally we had planned to head south but the map seemed to only indicate crossing the road or walking the road (which seemed unwise as there is no shoulder). Hiking the portion of the trail to Simpson Beach was fun. Lots of beautiful outlooks and photo ops. This portion of the trail is extremely narrow so be sure to bring your mask as you won’t be able to keep 6 feet of distance. As you get closer to Simpson Beach the trail widens. We enjoyed the cave and tide pools at Simpson Beach before turning around and heading back. It was about 3 miles round trip. Lots of tree roots so may be challenging for young children.
June 18, 2020We hiked from Sunset Bay to Shore Acres along this trail and it was beautiful. My husband and I are not in great shape, so it’s definitely a great trail for enthusiastic beginners. The first portion starting out at Sunset Beach is pretty steep, but it quickly flattens out. We took a detour down to the beach at Norton Gulch and there is a gorgeous little waterfall down there. We had the beach to ourselves. We turned around at the botanical gardens at Shore Acres and with our detours, it was about 5 miles round trip. We went in June, after heavy rains, and there were only a few super muddy spots along the way. The trail is open and in good shape. It’s also wide enough to maintain social distancing.
March 19, 2020March 19, 2020January 26, 2020December 23, 2019September 13, 2019Stunning trail, we walked from Sunset to the Sea Lion lookout. A must-do if you’re from east of the Mississippi; however, it’s unfortunate that the trail isn’t marked properly. Virtually zero chance of getting lost, but a very high chance of wasting time. Definitely download the map to make sure you’re headed where you want to go. We loved hearing the marine life as we approached the viewing area. Don’t pass this one by!
September 13, 2019Thoroughly enjoyed this hike, and the wildlife that we encountered. We had the trail to ourselves until around midday, then it got a little more crowded. Trail is in very good condition, but could use some markings or blazes along the way; we saw only a few random pieces of ribbon to mark the way, and a pair of men’s underwear hanging from a branch on the side of the trail. Starting the hike in the morning was absolutely the right decision. Take a camera and a pair of binoculars!
August 26, 2019Absolutely loved this trail. Lots of alternate routes keep the hike interesting, but the views alone make it worth checking out. Easy to make it as long or as short a hike as you’d like.
August 20, 2019Beautiful hike! The trails were well kept and the views were amazing! I hiked on a Tuesday morning and it wasn't super busy so I felt like I had the whole trail to myself. I loved everything about it!
August 11, 2019Easy access, flat, cool and shady with breathtaking views at the end of the trail
July 30, 2019great views near shore acres so, might be worth starting there
July 12, 2019Breathtaking scenery, easy trails!
June 29, 2019I would recommend starting the trail early in the day. I began at 10:00 AM and finished at 2:00 PM. The trail is not always clearly marked, however after you see Simpson Beach, listen for the sea lions barking and you know you are headed the right way!! When I arrived at Simpson Reef I wasn’t sure if I should take the pack trail or stick with the road. I opted for the pack trail and then ended up on a dirt road and a camp site. Take the dirt road down and then you will end up at Cape Arago!
June 20, 2019A breathtaking hike with quintessential Oregon Coast flavor. Don’t miss it!
June 17, 2019This is a stunning hike. Hikers with dogs should note that you can walk the Oregon Coast Trail behind the formal gardens in Shore Acres although all signs say that dogs are not allowed in the park.
June 3, 2019stunning views of the coast line. parts of the trail through the forest are not well marked.
June 3, 2019Amazing views of coast, forest, and of sea lions and seals. This trail was had a clear path, but the signage was poor, and we got confused several times looking for the correct trail, crossing the highway, and near the lookouts.
April 25, 2019Beautiful views once you get on the trail. It lies between the ocean and the road, and parts are in the forest. It has a few nice lookout points as well.
