Historical

Cape Arago is located in Charleston just west of Coos Bay, and is easily noticeable due to its distinct fog horn. It was first illuminated in 1934, and stands at 44 feet above sea level. The Lighthouse is located on an island and is not accessible to the public but …

Founded in 1891, this is one of the oldest continuously operating local historical societies in Oregon. It boasts more than 250,000 historic photographs (reproductions are available) and more than 40,000 artifacts. Visitors to the Coos Historical & Maritime Museum learn of the county’s challenging and varied terrain, and gain a …

Hidden in plain sight, Coos Bay’s Front Street was originally a wharf which became the bustling heart of a water-dependent community (then called Marshfield).  From the mid-1850s until the 1920s, the south end of the waterfront street (now 101 paralleling the boardwalk) was lined with hotels, drugstores, City Hall, barbershops, cigar and clothing …

What now makes up the central district of Coos Bay was called Marshfield until 1944 when residents voted to change the name to Coos Bay to match the name of the Bay itself. The City of Marshfield was named after the Massachusetts home town of the Cityʼs founder, J.C. Tolman, …

BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTH BEND

Asa Simpson – sea captain, shipbuilder, lumber- man – built a sawmill and shipyard in the mid 1850’s at the north bend of the Coos Bay. Most famous of the 55 vessels built here (1858-1903) was the Western Shore, a 3-masted “Oregon clipper” that sailed between …

Features original equipment of The Sun Newspaper (1891 –1944) and exhibits on printing and local history.Hours: Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tues-Sat 1pm – 4pm. For group tours or other times of the year call 541-266-0901 or 541-267-3762.

Railroad and logging equipment in an outdoor display area, and a mini-museum with photos and railroad memorabilia. Signature piece is a restored 1922 Baldwin steam locomotive that worked for many decades in the region’s forests. Ring the bell! Also displayed is a diesel switcher locomotive used in a local sawmill, …

The Sawmill & Tribal Trail is 5.6 miles one way and can be walked, bicycled or driven. Just look for the trail logo on numbered cedar post or on streets or sidewalks. The trail is divided into three section: A)North Bend, B) John Topits Park, C) Empire

Background:  This trail honors …

The jewel of the South Coast, Shore Acres State Park is perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean. Shore Acres is an unexpected combination of beautiful natural and man-made features. Once the famed estates of Louis Simpson, Shore Acres features lushly planted gardens with plans and flowers from …

Playing on Simpson Beach

Situated directly below Shore Acres, a winding path takes you to this secluded ocean cove. You’ll find crashing waves, migrating whales, and views of hundreds of seals & sea lions and other wildlife. Please do not bother the seal pups you may find on the beach. …