Shore Acres State Park is a jewel in the crown of the Oregon State Park system. Each year more than a quarter-million visitors drive 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay to visit the former palatial estate and gardens of timber tycoon Louis J. Simpson.
After a fire and financial losses devastated his estate holdings, including the family mansion, Simpson sold the land to the State of Oregon for use as a park in 1942.
One fantastic spot for families is the viewing area near where the Simpson mansion originally stood near the tall sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, visitors see gray whale migration. (Don’t forget your binoculars.)
The 745-acre park features five acres of formal gardens that Simpson developed, as well as the gardener’s cottage. Free entry to grounds, however, a Day Use Pass of $5 per vehicle is required.
To read more about Shore Acres, click on an expanded article on RV Short Stops.
(Also check out a recent post on RV Wheel Life about camping at nearby Sunset Bay State Park.)
— Photos: Double click on images to enlarge. (Top) Jimmy Smith strolls through the Formal Garden (Julianne G. Crane) . (Bottom) Jimmy Smith and Julianne G. Crane take in the view of the Pacific Ocean near the Simpson mansion’s original site. (Sharon Vail).
