Here are the Visitor's Tales for Cape Arago State Park.

We spent a week camping at Sunset Bay (5/29/00 - 6/2/00). One day we packed a lunch and hiked from our campground at Sunset Bay to Cape Arago State Park and ate our lunch on a picnic table located in a scenic little nook there. We were especially fascinated with the view of the coast from within Shore Acres. It was a very scenic, beautiful 8 mile round trip walk.

Sunset Bay and the campground were really protected from the wind even though there was a cold wind blowing on the other beaches.

One thing my wife and I really appreciated at Sunset Bay was the HOT showers. We have camped where the showers are usually lukewarm. Not so at Sunset Bay! They were great. The campground was clean, quiet, and very scenic. We really were glad we had the chance to stay there.

We also spent time driving in and around Bandon - which is about 24 miles to the south. We enjoyed the huge rocks on the beach there and also visited the Coquille River Lighthouse. The volunteer giving a talk at the lighthouse gave a lot of interesting information and was very much worth our time to hear. Carol spent time (and money) going through the shops in Bandon while I walked the streets and pier area with Bandit, our 1 1/2 year old fawn male boxer.

It was pretty cold when the wind was blowing - which was most of the time but we just buttoned up and enjoyed walking the beaches at Bandon and Bullards Beach State Park. We also visited Seven Devils State Park. Both were very nice and both beaches were nearly deserted. Bandit loved the sandy beaches and learned that the water was not nearly as tasty as it looked! Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint offered an interesting but cold, windy view of Face Rock - which is well named I might add.

Before leaving Bandon, we visited the Bandon Cheese Factory and enjoyed some curds and ice cream - both were delicious! We even returned for seconds on our way out of town.

We found our stay in the Sunset Bay area to be very pleasant and relaxing and I suspect we may return next summer when it will hopefully be a bit warmer. We realize, too, that the warmer weather will also bring out the crowds. So who knows - we may bring our coats and come early or join the summer crowd when the weather is warmer. We are looking forward to our next visit!

Areon & Carol, Denver, Colorado

Related Parks:
Sunset Bay State Park
Shore Acres State Park
Bullards Beach State Park
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Seven Devils State Recreation Site

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