Sunset Bay State Park

The Sunset Bay State Park is a state park in Coos County, Oregon. The 164 -acre State Park located on the Cape Arago Highway 19 km southwest of Coos Bay.

Geography

The Sunset Bay is enclosed by sandstone cliffs bay, 4 km west of Charleston. The sandy beach, its sheltered position and still far out waist-deep water at this point allow a transition into the water, which in Oregon is unusual because otherwise the currents and water temperature.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

On an island off Sunset Bay, which is called by the Native Americans Chief's Iceland, the Cape Arago lighthouse stands ( engl. Cape Arago Lighthouse ). In 1864 started the construction of a first lighthouse for the Port of Coos Bay, which was completed in 1866. Storms and erosion forced the construction of a new lighthouse in 1909 and the construction of a third, still existing 13 m high tower in 1934. A nearly 400 -meter wooden bridge leading to the island. 1966, the lighthouse was automated. Since 2006, the lighthouse is no longer in operation. The island is owned by Native Americans. The bridge to the island is blocked and can not be entered.

History

The sheltered bay was once used as a berth and protective harbor for fishing boats. According to a local tradition, she also served as a pirate base. Was named the bay by a pioneer of Coos Bay. By 1900, the area belonged to the land of the wood Barons Louis J. Simpson, 1942 sold the land to the state. By 1984, the park was expanded by donations and purchases to its present size.

Tourist Facilities

Located on the bay and on the meadows along the Big Creek, a small stream, the picnic area, and the pitches of the campsite with 90 tent sites and nearly 30 parking spaces for campers extend. Next to the park is a publicly accessible golf course. A walking path, which is also part of the Oregon Coast Trail, connects the park with the neighboring Southern Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park.