Shore Acres State Park to Simpson Overlook

Shore Acres is a wonderful state park on the Oregon coast and it is especially popular for its botanical garden, modeled after the original English-style gardens of the Simpson estate established on the site in the early 1900s. A great day hike to do from this area is the southern leg of the Sunset Bay to Cape Arago Trail. Leaving from the southwest corner of the parking area, the trail first climbs down to Simpson Beach, which is great to explore, then climbs back up to the top of the bluff. The trail meanders from the edge of the bluff to slightly inland and provides great views of Simpson Reef to the south where the sound of barking sea lions can be heard. The views of Simpson Reef get closer as the trail winds on until reaching the parking area and overlook. From this point it is another half-mile to the Cape Arago point, but much of the trail is adjacent to the highway.