Sunset Bay State Park, created in 1948, is a 405-acre state park located on the coast of Oregon. The land was once believed to be popular with fishing vessels, including pirate ships, which is the focus of many local folktales. The park provides not only stunning views of the coast and sea cliffs but of the surrounding forest as well. During the summer, the park is filled with massive wildflower fields.
The park is situated next to a golf course and is popular for crabbing and fishing. It’s also just a short distance away from Cape Arago Lighthouse. This park is near cities and towns such as Charleston, Coos Bay, and Eugene.
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Visitors to the park will find many things to do while in Sunset Bay State Park. Crabbing and fishing are very popular activities to do while here, thanks to the vast amount of crabs and fish in the surrounding water. You could head down to the beach at low tide to search for mussels and clams in the sand. Fishermen could also try catching some local fish species including salmon, sturgeon, and albacore. There are also some local villages around you could head over to if you’d like to try crabbing.
Hiking is also something to do while here. Many of the trails are bordered by wildflowers and give you stunning views of ocean vistas, sea cliffs, and the nearby Cape Arago Lighthouse. One trail to try out is the Sunset Bay Beach Trail, which is half a mile long and winds around the beach. Most of the trails in this park also connect to other local parks such as Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Park.
Visitors could also go wading or swimming in the ocean. The park is filled with hidden coves and tidal pools, making the area a fun place to explore. However, it’s important to be very careful when swimming out in the water as it can get to be very windy and cold.
The park is also good for birdwatching thanks to the thick forests that surround it. Some species you might see are owls, sparrows, nuthatches, and various types of waterfowl. In addition to birdwatching, you could also keep an eye out for some other wildlife, like sea lions, seals, and deer.
Search for an RV in Coos County, and you are able to stay at Sunset Bay State Park’s campground. The campground offers 65 motorhome sites, 30 which are full-hookups and 35 which have electric and water. These sites are reservable, and it is recommended that you do so to secure a spot when you visit. Keep in mind there is a campervan fee.
Some amenities offered here are bathrooms with showers and firewood. It also has kayak rentals if you want to get out on the water. This park is very dog-friendly and allows pets to be taken on the beach as long as they are watched and picked up after.
You’ll discover many interesting local places to travel to with your travel trailer. About two hours away in Eugene is Mount Pisgah Arboretum. This 209-acre living museum was created in the late 1960s and is filled with numerous trails lined by various types of native trees. It’s also located by the Willamette River which has a few picnic areas.
Another option to drive your camper to is Shores Acres State Park. Situated in Charleston, this state park was once the home of a local prominent family. It offers beautiful cliff views which you can check out with its many observation decks. It also has flourishing gardens filled with native plants. During Christmas, it hosts a dazzling holiday light show. Motorhomes can reach this state park by taking the Cape Arago Highway.
You could also head over to the Coos Art Museum with your RV. Created in 1966, this art museum is situated inside an old Art Deco building that was once a post office. It offers six galleries featuring various types of art, including traveling collections. Many of these galleries are filled with works by local artists which highlight local history and culture. Some pieces are also available for sale.
The Cape Arago Lighthouse is also a short drive away from the park. Built in 1866, the structure was intended to help protect ships from various dangers as they transported lumber and other goods to the local ports. The lighthouse rests on Chief’s Island, which is private property. Because of this, you’ll only be able to take photos of it from a distance.
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