Cape Arago WWII Radar Site
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Cape Arago WWII Radar Site (1942-1944) - A World War II U.S. Army Radar Site established in 1942. Used to provide early warning of enemy aircraft approaching the Oregon Coast. Located on Cape Arago near Charleston in Coos County, Oregon, in present day Shore Acres State Park. Closed in 1944. Also known as Station B-28.
HistoryThe radar site consisted of a concrete operations building containing the SCR-270 radar equipment and antenna locate on the side of a nearby hill. The cantonment area was located below on the former estate of L. J. Simpson with the estate mansion serving as quarters for the officers and men of the garrison. The operations building was built into the side of a hill as protection and to camouflage its functionality. The camouflage included a large tree that overhung the building and was in place to prevented the antenna from casting a recognizable shadow. The operations building itself was 80' by 21' with two protected entrances and 12" thick walls. Four internal rooms provided a ready room for the shift workers, an officer's room, an equipment room for the radar and a generator room with a two generators. ClosureClosed in 1944. The SCR-270 Radar equipment was declared obsolete by AG letter 17 Jan 1946. Tower and equipment to be disposed of while the buildings were retained. Current StatusThe concrete shell of the building remains intact. Access is from a Pack Trail trailhead on the Cape Arago Highway. The radar site is about 1/3 of a mile up the trail with a moderate climb. The site is located off to the right of the trail and is semi concealed by brush. Continue up the Pack Trail for a short distance to see the site from above.
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Links: Visited: 17 Aug 2017
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