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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Oregon Coast Region
Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres State Park Rocky Beach © Dima Barashkov
Western Meadow Lark © stateparks.com
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SHORE ACRES STATE PARK
Perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park is an exciting and unexpected combination of beautiful natural and constructed features. Once the grand estate of pioneer timber baron Louis Simpson, Shore Acres features lushly planted gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year.

In the landscaped area you'll discover a formal garden, an oriental-style pond and two rose gardens which include an All American Rose Selection display. From Thanksgiving through New Years, the gardens are ablaze with thousands of colored lights and holiday decorations put up by community volunteers and The Friends of Shore Acres in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

After seeing the garden, you can stroll down a trail to a secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach or skirt the cliff?s edge to see spectacular ocean vistas which often include towering waves crashing against the shoreline after a storm and migrating grey whales. On the site of Simpson's vanished mansion, a fully enclosed observation building will allow you to view the ocean and protect you from the weather. The observation building has interpretive panels describing the history of the Simpson estate.

The Friends of Shore Acres operate a gift and information center at the entrance to the formal gardens where visitors can purchase items that relate to the historical and natural features of Shore Acres. The Friends also sponsor a variety of horticultural and cultural events at the garden throughout the year.

A large Monterey pine (pinus radiata) dates back to the historic Louis J. Simpson estate. A member of the national Big Tree Register, the pine is 95 feet tall with a 208-inch truck circumference and a 74-foot crown spread. It shares co-champion honors with a Monterey pine in Carmel, California, which has a smaller trunk, but a wider crown. It was probably planted around 1910.
History of the Area
Located on the southern coast of Oregon, this 745-acre park was initially a private estate owned by Louis J. Simpson, an influential shipbuilder and lumberman in Coos County during the early 20th century. The property originally featured a luxurious mansion with formal gardens that were open to public viewing.

In 1906, after his first house burned down due to unknown reasons, Simpson built another extravagant home featuring imported marble from Italy for its columns and walls along with exotic plants for his garden which included Japanese lilies and Dutch tulips among others.

However, financial difficulties led him to sell most of his assets including the grand residence in late-1920s. In subsequent years it served as a summer retreat center until it too succumbed to fire damage in mid-1940s leaving only gardener's cottage intact today serving as interpretive center showcasing history about former owners' lifestyle.

The State Highway Commission purchased land surrounding these ruins around same time intending development into recreational area leading towards creation of present-day state park known widely for botanical garden filled with rare flowers blooming throughout year attracting visitors worldwide.

Over decades since establishment various improvements have been made such as addition picnic facilities or restoration efforts preserving original character like English-style formal gardens designed by landscape architect George Hume while also incorporating new features enhancing visitor experience notably holiday light display held annually between Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Eve illuminating entire place beautifully at night making one feel they've stepped inside fairy tale world!



Picnicking
Shore Acres State Park offers picnic tables with ocean views. Picnic areas are near the parking lot and botanical gardens.
Trails
1. Perimeter Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding forested areas.

2. Botanical Garden Loop: A short, easy walk around Shore Acres' famous botanical gardens with beautiful flower displays throughout different seasons.

3. Simpson Beach Access Trail: Descends from the park to a secluded sandy beach area; it's about half-a-mile long but steep in places making for an invigorating hike back up!

4. South Cove Trail: An adventurous cliff-side path leading down towards tide pools teeming with marine life during low tides - this one can be slippery so caution is advised.

5. Yaquina Head Lighthouse Pathway: Though not technically within Shore Acres State Park boundaries, this nearby lighthouse has its own network of trails offering panoramic ocean vistas and bird-watching opportunities.

6. Simpson Reef Overlook Walkway: Short paved pathway leads you directly to an overlook where sea lions are often spotted lounging on offshore rocks below.

7. North Cape Hiking Route: Roughly two miles round trip along rugged coastline cliffs providing breathtaking sunset viewing spots over Oregon's dramatic coastlines.

8. Cape Arago Pack Trail: Connects Sunset Bay State Park through Shore Acres all way till Cape Arago state parks covering diverse terrains including forests, meadows & beaches.

9. Garden House Pond Stroll: Easy stroll circling pond located near garden house inside botanical garden showcasing variety of water plants.

10. Clifftop Nature Trails: Network of unmarked paths crisscrosses across clifftops giving hikers chance to explore unique coastal vegetation while enjoying sweeping seascapes.

Birding
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with species like the Western Gull, Pelagic Cormorant and Black Oystercatcher. Birders can spot migratory birds during spring and fall seasons. The Simpson Reef Overlook is a popular location for spotting sea birds.

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Directions
Shore Acres State Park is located on the southern Oregon coast, about 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay. To reach the park from Coos Bay, follow US-101 South for approximately 12 miles until you see signs directing you to Shore Acres State Park. Turn left onto Seven Devils Road and continue for another mile until you arrive at the entrance of the park.

If coming from North Bend or other areas north of Coos Bay, take US-101 South towards Bandon. After passing through Charleston (about 5 miles south of downtown), keep an eye out for signs indicating Shore Acres State Park. Take a right turn onto Seven Devils Road and drive one more mile to reach your destination.

Once inside Shore Acres State Park, there are ample parking spaces available near various attractions within the park grounds such as beautiful gardens with vibrant flowers and stunning ocean views overlooking rugged cliffs along Cape Arago Highway.

Please note that during winter months some parts may be closed due to weather conditions; it's always advisable to check ahead before planning your visit if traveling between November and February when storms can impact accessibility in this area.

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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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