Cape Arago State Park, State park in Coos County, Oregon.
Cape Arago State Park sits along high cliffs with two coves featuring sandy beaches and views across the Pacific Ocean. Trails lead to lookout points, tide pools, and coastal areas where visitors can explore the shoreline.
James Cook named this headland Cape Gregory in 1778, but it was renamed in the 1800s to honor French physicist François Arago. The new name eventually became the official and lasting designation for this coastal point.
The park's name comes from François Arago, the French physicist and astronomer for whom the headland was renamed in 1850; James Cook had called it Cape Gregory in 1778. A metal plaque at the site records that Louis J. Simpson, Lela G. Simpson, the Cape Arago Park Commission and Coos County gave 134 acres to Oregon on June 1, 1932 to create a public park.
The park has several marked trails leading to viewpoints and tide pools, with areas set aside for wildlife watching. Visitors should be ready for changing coastal conditions and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the different routes.
Shell Island, offshore from the park, is the northernmost place on the Pacific coast where northern elephant seals give birth. California sea lions, Steller sea lions and harbour seals also haul out on the island, which belongs to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
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