Simpson Reef Overlook – Cape Arago State Park loop from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
Simpson Reef Overlook – Cape Arago State Park loop from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
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Simpson Reef Overlook – Cape Arago State Park loop from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
02:03
44.6km
370m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Includes movable bridges
Check opening times.
After 12.3 km for 35 m
After 32.1 km for 35 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
20.9 km
Simpson Reef Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
21.9 km
Cape Arago State Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
24.5 km
Simpson Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
26.7 km
Sunset Bay State Park Campground and Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
44.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
23.0 km
16.8 km
3.25 km
1.35 km
259 m
Surfaces
42.7 km
1.33 km
305 m
233 m
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Elevation
Highest point (50 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
17°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a road cycling route that packs a punch with incredible coastal views and a solid workout, the Simpson Reef Overlook – Cape Arago State Park loop from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is definitely worth your time. This moderate 27.7-mile (44.6 km) ride features 1198 feet (365 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's perfect for cyclists with good fitness who want to experience the rugged beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast and its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to expect on Simpson Reef Overlook – Cape Arago State Park loop from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
The route kicks off with views of Coos Bay and the ocean mouth, soon leading you through the working seaport of Charleston. As you head towards Cape Arago, you'll pass stunning spots like Bastendorff Beach and Sunset Bay State Park. The highlight for many is the Simpson Reef Overlook, where you can often spot thousands of seals and sea lions, and even migrating gray whales between December and June. You'll also cycle through lush Sitka spruce forests and along dramatic bluff edges, with Shore Acres State Park's botanical gardens adding another layer of visual interest. Expect a mix of relatively good pavement, rolling sections, and a few steeper pitches, so be prepared for frequent ups and downs.
Planning your visit
The Cape Arago Highway, the primary route, generally offers good pavement, though some sections near Charleston may have narrow shoulders, so exercise caution. While the route is predominantly paved, be aware that some segments might be less maintained or even unpaved, which could be challenging for pure road bikes. Parking is available near the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, providing convenient access to the trailhead. This route is best enjoyed when you have good visibility to take in the panoramic ocean vistas and dramatic cliffs.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.7 miles (44.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 1198 feet (365 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 2 minutes
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