Best attractions and places to see around Lincoln City include a diverse range of natural landscapes and cultural sites along the Oregon coast. The area features a scenic coastline, freshwater lakes, and unique geological formations. Lincoln City is also known for its artistic community, particularly glass art, and historical insights into the region. These attractions offer various outdoor activities and cultural experiences for visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Sometimes the best part isn't the beach at all, looking east...
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My wife and I took this hike today from the main parking lot. We went counterclockwise which is longer than driving to and started from the parking lot closest to the trail to the Knoll, which is clockwise. It’s shorter but straight up. We’re in our 70’s and we had a dog with us who is also a senior. Very good trail with lots of Sitka Spruce trees. View from the Knoll was worth it. Go slow and hydrate often. It’s a rise in elevation of about 750 feet.
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Outstanding ocean viewpoint only a short distance from parking lot. Easy hike. Also good access to a beach. Lots of picnic tables. Has restrooms.
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The world's shortest title was lost in 1989 when Guinness named the Roe River in Montana the shortest in the world. In an attempt to reclaim the title, the people of Lincoln City submitted a new measurement to Guinness of about 120 feet (37 m) marked at "extreme high tide." At the time, the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce described the Roe as a "drainage dike being studied for a school project." Montana supporters shot back that the D was just an "ocean water backup," pointed out that there was an alternative fork to the Roe that was only 30 feet (9.1 m) long and suggested a new survey . Guinness apparently never decided the dispute and let the Roe claim stand, but as of 2006 decided to no longer list the shortest river, perhaps because of this ongoing dispute.
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Where creek and ocean unite at a cliff-bound beach. Cross the wooden footbridges amid lush woods, and a peaceful creek flowing into an enchanting cove. Perfect for birdwatching and tide pool adventures.
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The D River is one of the claimants to the title of “World's Shortest River”. While this claim is disputed, there's no denying that it's run from Devil's Lake to the Pacific is incredibly brief (either 440 feet (0.13 km) or 120 feet (36.58 m), depending on how/when it's measured). Aside from that, you'll find easy access to the beach from the nearby recreation site that is also home to 2 of the largest kite festivals in the world during summer and autumn.
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Dark, narrow, and winding, this stretch of the 1930s run of Highway 101 is a cyclist's dream. Far less busy than the new stretch of highway, you'll have a much more peaceful ride here. However, due to the narrowness of the road, you'll need to be aware of when you are due to encounter car traffic.
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Lincoln City offers a diverse range of natural attractions. You can visit the Fogarty Creek where the creek meets the ocean, or explore the D River, known as the world's shortest river, which connects Devil's Lake to the Pacific. Other highlights include the dramatic headlands of Road's End State Recreation Site, the unique geological formation of Devil's Punchbowl, and the serene freshwater of Devil's Lake, ideal for water activities.
Yes, Lincoln City is surrounded by trails offering stunning vistas. You can hike to the View from God's Thumb for panoramic views of the Oregon coast and Cascade Head. Another excellent option is the View from The Knoll, which provides expansive views of the coastline from a meadowed clearing. For a different experience, the Drift Creek Falls trail features a suspension bridge and a 75-foot waterfall.
Lincoln City is renowned for its vibrant art scene, particularly glass art. You can watch local artisans at the Lincoln City Glass Center and Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio, and even participate in workshops to create your own glass pieces. The Taft Bay's Artistic District also features numerous local art galleries and independent shops.
To delve into the region's past, visit the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, which showcases exhibits on indigenous communities and pioneer settlements. The Lincoln City Cultural Center, housed in the historic Delake School building, offers art galleries, performances, and public art installations.
Finders Keepers is a unique Lincoln City tradition where handcrafted glass floats are hidden along the beaches for visitors to find and keep. The D River Wayside is a popular spot during this event. It's a fun, family-friendly activity that adds an element of treasure hunting to your beach visit.
Absolutely! The D River State Recreation Site is a hub for kite flying and sandcastle building, and hosts major kite festivals. Fogarty Creek offers a cliff-bound beach with tide pools and wooden footbridges, perfect for exploration. Devil's Lake is great for paddleboarding and kayaking, and the Finders Keepers event is a hit with all ages.
Beyond exploring the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For cycling, consider routes like the Devil's Lake loop or the Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway. Hikers can explore easy trails such as The Thumb via The Knoll or the Cascade Head Trail. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Lincoln City and Easy hikes around Lincoln City guides.
Siletz Bay is an excellent spot to observe harbor seals on the Salishan Spit. The Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for birdwatching along the Alder Island Natural Trail. Fogarty Creek is also known for its birdwatching potential, and The Knoll provides elevated views for potential whale watching during migration seasons.
Yes, Lincoln City offers scenic cycling opportunities. The North Old Scenic Highway 101 is a cycle way that provides a peaceful ride through old-growth forest, less busy than the new highway. Other routes include the Devil's Lake loop and the challenging Cascade Head Loop. For more options, check out the Cycling around Lincoln City guide.
Cascade Head is a unique and wild natural headland north of Lincoln City. It's an important ecological preserve featuring lush forests, coastal prairies, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Salmon River estuary. You can hike its trails to see massive Sitka spruce trees and diverse wildlife, including the Cascade Head Trail which offers easy hiking options.
For a tranquil experience, visit the Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy, a beautiful garden offering a peaceful retreat. You can also find serene spots along the Siletz Bay or within the lush woods of Fogarty Creek.
Absolutely. The View from The Knoll offers beautiful vistas of Lincoln City and the ocean, making it a prime location for sunset photography. The View from God's Thumb also provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline and Cascade Head, ideal for capturing dramatic landscapes.


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