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Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay, Oregon
Photo: RickObst · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Oregon The Oregon Coast

Cape Arago Highway

Cape Arago Highway, Ocean Boulevard, South Empire Boulevard · Coos Bay → Cape Arago

Sweeping14.2 mi30 min800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 200 ftOne way
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The drive

Cape Arago Highway runs from Coos Bay out to Cape Arago at the end of the road. This drive starts in Empire, using side streets such as Newmark Avenue where the route joins OR 540, then goes through Charleston, past Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks, to the cape. It is 14.2 miles and takes about 31 minutes.

The road winds along the coast through forest, with ocean overlooks. The last miles after Charleston are the best. At Cape Arago the Simpson Reef overlook looks over Shell Island, where sea lions and seals gather.

The drive ends on the highway just short of the park lot. The road dead-ends at the cape.

Along the way

  1. Coos Bay (Empire)
  2. Cape Arago
Elevation
800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 200 ft
Coos BayCape Arago
Curves
Mostly gentle, with three twisty stretches
Coos BayCape Arago
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Oregon state park day-use areas have charged parking fees in recent seasons, including Sunset Bay; check Oregon State Parks for current fees.
  • A landslide once closed Cape Arago and Shore Acres to vehicles, so check status before you go.
  • The road is a dead end, so you return the way you came.
  • Shore Acres is known for its gardens, and gray whales and sea lions can be seen from the cape.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Oregon State Parks.

Questions about this drive

How long does Cape Arago Highway take?

Cape Arago Highway from Coos Bay (Empire) to Cape Arago is 14.2 miles and takes about 31 minutes.

Is there a fee at Shore Acres and Sunset Bay?

Yes, state park day-use fees apply at the parks along the road. Check Oregon State Parks for current rates and passes.

What is at the end of Cape Arago Highway?

The road ends at Cape Arago State Park, where an overlook faces Shell Island and its sea lions and seals.

Is Cape Arago Highway a dead end?

Yes. It ends at the cape, so you return the same way.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Cape Arago Highway, from Coos Bay to Cape Arago