Cape Arago
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this destination:
- Cape Arago Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 43.3070, -124.4012
- Elevation: 95 feet
Description
Cape Arago's cliffs and coves form the southern edge of the Coaledo Formation, 40 million-year-old layers of sandstone, siltstone, and shale that have been tilted by tectonic forces. Looking south, you can see to the Sixes River Mouth, Cape Blanco and Humbug Mountain. The South Cove, reached by a steep trail, is reputed to have been an anchoring refuge for Sir Francis Drake in June 1579. Nowadays, surfers take the break at Drake Point, and the tide pools are spectacular at low tide. A viewpoint looks down on the Middle Cove and Drake Point. Another short trail leads out to a viewpoint above North Cove, and offers views south to the Simpson Reef, Oregon's largest haul out spot for seals and sea lions, and the colorful cliffs at Shore Acres State Park. The trail down to the beach at North Cove is open only from July through February as harbor seals often deliver their pups onshore.
The cape was originally named by George Vancouver in 1778, who called it Cape Gregory in honor of St. Gregory the Great, a 6th century pope. It was renamed Cape Arago in 1850 after the French mathematician, astronomer, and physicist François Arago.
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- bobcat (creator)