How do I get to D River Beach and where can I park?

D River Beach is located directly off Highway 101 in central Lincoln City at the D River Wayside State Recreation Site. The beach has a dedicated parking lot accessible from both northbound and southbound 101, with clearly marked entrances. Parking is free and typically available, though summer weekends can fill up. The lot accommodates RVs and has accessible spaces. From the parking area, it's a very short, easy walk across a footbridge over the D River to reach the beach. Additional street parking is available along nearby residential areas if needed.

What food, amenities, and lodging options are near D River Beach?

D River Beach sits in the heart of Lincoln City, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and hotels within easy walking distance. The beach has restrooms and picnic areas at the wayside. Numerous dining options line Highway 101, from casual fish and chips to sit-down restaurants. Major hotel chains and oceanfront resorts are located within blocks of the beach. Grocery stores, including a Safeway, are nearby for picnic supplies. The Lincoln City Outlets are less than a mile away. This urban beach setting means you'll have full amenities unlike more remote Oregon coast beaches.

Is it true that D River Beach has the world's shortest river?

D River, which flows into the ocean at this beach, was once listed in Guinness World Records as the world's shortest river at approximately 120 feet long. While this title has been contested (the Roe River in Montana also claims it), the D River remains exceptionally short, connecting Devil's Lake to the Pacific Ocean. You can easily see the entire river from the footbridge when accessing the beach. The river's name simply comes from nearby Devil's Lake. It's a unique geographic quirk that makes this beach distinctive along the Oregon coast.

Lincoln City · Oregon · USA

D River Beach

Watch the D River—all 120 feet of it—spill into the Pacific just steps from Highway 101. Salt spray mingles with the scent of frying fish and chips from roadside shacks, while neon-bright kites twist against gunmetal skies. Families claim wide, flat territory between driftwood logs.

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Lincoln City·Oregon·USA

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About this beach

You park on asphalt, cross a two-lane road, and suddenly you're on a beach that stretches north and south farther than your eyes can track. The D River cuts a modest channel through the sand beside you, a geographical oddity that once held a Guinness record but now serves mainly as a landmark for day-trippers seeking elbow room without the drive to remote co…

Where it is

D River Beach

Lincoln City, Oregon, USA

44.9692°, -124.0156°

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Top things to do

At D River Beach

Fly Stunt Kites

Steady wind rewards first-timers

Hunt Beach Agates

Check gravel at tideline

Walk to Nelscott

Two miles south on sand

Fish and Chips

Roadside shacks serve locals too

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of D River Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about D River Beach.

Is D River Beach safe for swimming and what are the water conditions?

D River Beach has cold Pacific Ocean waters year-round (typically 48-58°F) and can have strong currents, rip tides, and sneaker waves. Swimming is possible but challenging due to cold temperatures; wetsuits are recommended. The beach is popular for wading and playing in the shallow waters where the D River meets the ocean. Always supervise children closely, stay aware of wave patterns, and avoid turning your back on the ocean. Lifeguards are not typically on duty, so exercise caution and check local conditions before entering the water.

When is the best time to visit D River Beach and what's the weather like?

D River Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-September) brings the warmest, driest weather with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, ideal for families and kite flying. Fall and spring offer fewer crowds and good storm watching opportunities. Winter is popular for dramatic wave watching and beachcombing, though expect rain and wind. Coastal fog is common in mornings during summer. The beach's urban location in Lincoln City means easy access regardless of season, though visiting during weekdays reduces crowds considerably.