Recreational Areas

Cape Arago State Park. The distant barking of sea lions echoes in the air at a trio of coves connected by short but steep trails. The park overlooks the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where offshore rocks, beaches, islands, and reefs provide breeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals, including seal pups (the trail is closed in spring to protect them). End of Cape Arago Hwy., 1 mile south of Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay, Oregon, 97420. 800/551–6949; 541/888–3778; www.oregonstateparks.org. Free. Daily dawn–dusk. Trail closed Mar.–June.

Shore Acres State Park. An observation building on a grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific marks the site that held the mansion of lumber baron Louis J. Simpson. The view over the rugged wave-smashed cliffs is splendid, but the real glory of Shore Acres lies a few hundred yards to the south, where an entrance gate leads into what was Simpson's private garden. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, the gardens incorporate formal English and Japanese designs. From March to mid-October the grounds are ablaze with blossoming daffodils, rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, and dahlias. In December the garden is decked out with a dazzling display of holiday lights. 89526 Cape Arago Hwy., 1 mile south of Sunset Bay State Park, Coos Bay, Oregon, 97420. 800/551–6949; 541/888–2472; 541/888–3732; www.oregonstateparks.org. $5 per vehicle day-use fee. Daily 8–dusk.