Shore Acres State Park Coos Bay Oregon

Simpson developed the summer home into a showplace three-story mansion complete with a heated, indoor swimming pool and a large ballroom. The grounds contained five acres of formal gardens, including a Japanese-style garden built around a 100-foot lily pond.

When fire destroyed the mansion in 1921, Simpson began to build an even larger replacement - two stories high and 224 feet long. However, financial losses in the 1930s caused both house and grounds to fall into disrepair. In 1942, Simpson's beloved Shore Acres was purchased by the state of Oregon for use as a public park.

While structural deterioration eventually forced the mansion to be razed, the restored formal gardens continue to attract thousands of visitors. The garden features year-round displays of floral and scenic beauty and the annual "Holiday Lights at Shore Acres" from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

A fully enclosed observation building now occupies the site of Simpson's mansions, offering spectacular view of rugged seascapes, towering storm waves, and glimpses of migrating whales from December through June.

One mile north of Shore Acres, Sunset Bay State Park offers extensive picnic and overnight camping facilities. One mile to the south, Cape Arago State Park has hiking trails, picnic tables, and excellent opportunities for viewing tidepools life and marine mammals (whales, seals, and sea lions). A hiking trail, which is part of the Coast Trail, also connects the three parks. South of the park is the newly renovated Simpson Reef interperative stop. View the seals, sea lions, elephant seals and other marine life from the new viewing deck. Please do not bother the seal pups you may find on the beach. They are not lost, only waiting for mom to return. Also, the bleeding, hurt looking elephant seals are not dying. This is only a molting process they go through while resting before continuing their journey.

Info and Gift Shop - 541-888-2472

Friends of Shore Acres - 541-756-5401

Ask the Gardener - 541-888-3732

Weddings at Shore Acres - 541-888-3778