D River State Recreation Site
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D River State Recreation Site

4.6
·3k reviews·Lincoln City, United States

Experience the world's shortest river meeting the Pacific, famous for vibrant kite festivals and family fun on the Oregon Coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

June & September weekends

Kite festivals fill the sky!

CrowdHigh
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D River State Recreation Site

D River State Recreation Site

Best Time

June & September weekends

Kite festivals fill the sky!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the world's shortest river meeting the Pacific, famous for vibrant kite festivals and family fun on the Oregon Coast.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A beautiful beach with a small river, great for kids and kite festivals!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough during peak times and festivals. Arrive early or use the shuttle service.

🌊 Watch the Waves

Ocean waves can be quick and abrupt. Keep a close eye on children and be cautious.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kite Festivals

Kite Festivals

D River State Recreation Site

Witness skies filled with massive, colorful kites during the Summer and Fall Kite Festivals. A truly mesmerizing sight!

Instagram+2
D River's Unique Flow

D River's Unique Flow

Where D River meets the Pacific

Experience the novelty of the world's shortest river as it merges with the vast Pacific Ocean. Perfect for gentle wading.

Reddit
Beachcombing & Tide Pools

Beachcombing & Tide Pools

North of the main beach access

Search for treasures like sea glass and explore fascinating tide pools just north of the main beach access.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Kite Festivals

Lincoln City's D River State Recreation Site is famous for its kite festivals. Plan your visit around the Summer Kite Festival (June) or Fall Kite Festival (September) for a vibrant spectacle. Book accommodations early, as these events draw large crowds and fill up fast. Instagram+1

Beach Access & River Fun

The D River State Recreation Site offers a unique experience with the world's shortest river flowing into the ocean. It's great for kids to play in the calmer river waters. Be mindful of the ocean waves, which can be powerful. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
June & September weekends
Why
Kite festivals fill the sky!
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful beach
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My niece is addicted to float hunting on the Oregon Coast, too! Google Finder’s Keepers Lincoln City, Oregon! (My niece hunted for miles, too—gotta put in the time to find one!) #treasurefinds #lincolncity
@reyreyzum
113.2K likes • 2.4M views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough during peak times and festivals. Arrive early or use the shuttle service. InstagramReddit

🌊 Watch the Waves

Ocean waves can be quick and abrupt. Keep a close eye on children and be cautious. Reddit

calling all Cowboys and cowgirls 🤠🐮🤠 come, try Lincoln city BBQ new, cowboy potato only $13 🐮☀️🐮 Who doesn’t love, brisket, beans, cheese, and baked potato 🥔 🫘🧀🐮 #BB#BBQi#lincolncityi#lincolncityoregonr#oregonr#brisketm#smokedbrisketo#worki#lincolncitybbqu#customerserviceo#foody#fyptolocalo#foryoupaga#bakedbeansh#cheesea#bakedpotatoo#potatoy#fypageo#foryouy#fypo#foryoupagesy#fyp
@lincoln.city.bbq
24.3K likes • 389.6K views
It was a party! Thanks for coming out to the lighted night fly - celebrating 45 years of the Fall Kite Festival, which continues all weekend at D River State Recreation Site in Lincoln City. Join us September 20 and 21, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm for all kinds of kite flying fun. Find a parking map and shuttle information at the link in bio 🔗
lincolncityor
2.3K likes • 30.5K views

🪁 Bring Your Own Kite

Even outside festival times, the beach is perfect for kite flying. Bring your own for extra fun! Reddit

♿ Accessible Beach Mat

A large mat provides easy access to the beach, great for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

Join us on June 21–22, 2025, for the annual Summer Kite Festival at the D River State Recreation Site in Lincoln City. Marvel at massive, colorful kites—octopuses, whales, and more—dancing across the sky. Enjoy free kite-making workshops, live performances, carnival games, and delicious eats from local food trucks. After a day of sky-high fun, unwind at the Anchor Inn Resort. Located just minutes...
theanchorinnresort
6 likes • 329 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough during peak times and festivals. Arrive early or use the shuttle service. InstagramReddit

🌊 Watch the Waves

Ocean waves can be quick and abrupt. Keep a close eye on children and be cautious. Reddit

🪁 Bring Your Own Kite

Even outside festival times, the beach is perfect for kite flying. Bring your own for extra fun! Reddit

♿ Accessible Beach Mat

A large mat provides easy access to the beach, great for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

🔍 Float Hunting

Some visitors enjoy 'float hunting' for glass floats, a fun beach activity. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise D River State Recreation Site for its family-friendly atmosphere, especially the unique D River for safe wading, and the spectacular kite festivals. The beach is beautiful and accessible, though parking can be a challenge during peak times. Some mention the ocean waves can be strong.

"The D River Beach was a beautiful place to visit with the kids. The water was a little cold but ok to dip feet in.
You have to watch the waves as the move quickly and can be abrupt. We Were able to see a sea lion enjoy its swim by the shore with was quite the view. There are restrooms and a hand washing station which was great. We also watched the kite festival which was fun yo witness.
Parking could be challenging based on what time you get there."

ann owen

"Beautiful sunny day. We took our two grandchildren and a couple of kites and had a great time! This beach is joined by the world's smallest river. The beach has a huge mat to walk on which we greatly appreciated."

Sandra Morrell

"Beautiful beach with small river to swim in, great for kids especially, much safer than going out in the ocean for a swim! There's also a small paved walkway to accommodate wheelchairs down on to the beach."

A100 Reallionaire (A100)

What People Like

Family-friendly river wading
Spectacular kite festivals
Beautiful accessible beach

What People Dislike

Challenging parking
Strong ocean waves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

D River State Recreation Site is located in Lincoln City, Oregon, directly off Highway 101. It's easily accessible by car. During major events like the kite festivals, parking can be challenging, so consider using the free shuttle service from designated locations like the Lincoln City Community Center or Outlets. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is available, but it can become very limited, especially during popular events and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended. If parking is full, look for shuttle services provided during festivals. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! There's a small paved walkway that leads down onto the beach, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

If you're coming from the south on US-101, D River State Recreation Site will be on your right shortly after you enter Lincoln City. If coming from the north, it will be on your left. Look for the signs for the park. TikTok

Yes, it's a prominent location right on the coast in Lincoln City, easily identifiable by its beach access and the D River flowing into the ocean. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

D River State Recreation Site is a state-administered area and typically does not have an entrance fee for general access to the beach and river. However, parking fees may apply in some areas or during special events. Reddit

As a public beach and recreation area, D River State Recreation Site is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have their own hours. Reddit

The kite festivals themselves are free to attend and watch. You don't need to purchase tickets to enjoy the spectacle of the kites. Instagram+1

For general beach activities like kite flying, beachcombing, or playing in the river, no special permits are usually required. If you plan on more organized events or commercial activities, you might need to check with Oregon State Parks. Instagram

Dogs are generally allowed on the beach at D River State Recreation Site, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check for any specific posted regulations. TikTok

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy kite flying (especially during festivals!), beachcombing, playing in the D River, exploring tide pools, and simply relaxing on the beach. It's a great spot for families. TikTokReddit+1

The D River is generally calmer and safer for wading and swimming, especially for children, compared to the ocean. However, always supervise children closely. Reddit

Restrooms and a hand-washing station are available, which is very convenient. Some areas may also have picnic tables. Reddit

The D River is famously known as the world's shortest river, flowing from Devils Lake into the Pacific Ocean. It's a unique natural feature. Reddit+1

The beach offers beautiful ocean views, sunsets, and the unique sight of kites during festivals. The confluence of the river and ocean also makes for interesting shots. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly within the D River State Recreation Site itself. However, Lincoln City has a wide variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to BBQ joints, just a short drive away. TikTok

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach. Some areas might have picnic tables available. Reddit

Lincoln City offers diverse culinary experiences, including local seafood, American fare, and even unique offerings like brisket and baked potatoes at local BBQ spots. TikTok

Yes, during the kite festivals, you can often find local food trucks offering a variety of delicious eats, making it easy to grab a bite while enjoying the event. Instagram

Several cafes and coffee shops are located in Lincoln City, just a short drive from the recreation site, perfect for grabbing a morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for beach and ocean photography. During kite festivals, any time the kites are flying is spectacular. TikTokInstagram

Kites during festivals, the unique D River meeting the ocean, sea lions (if you're lucky!), sunsets, and general coastal landscapes are popular subjects. TikTokReddit

Drone usage is subject to Oregon State Parks regulations. It's best to check the official Oregon State Parks website for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation in state recreation areas. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife like sea lions. A sturdy tripod is helpful for sunset shots. TikTok

The main beach access points offer great views. For a slightly different perspective, consider the areas north of the main beach where tide pools are found. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

D River State Recreation Site is a fantastic destination for families. The D River offers a safer, calmer alternative to the ocean for younger children to play and splash in. Reddit The beach is wide and sandy, perfect for building sandcastles and running around. Bringing kites is a must, especially if you can time your visit with the Summer or Fall Kite Festivals for an unforgettable experience. Instagram+1 The accessible beach mat makes it easy to navigate with strollers, and the nearby restrooms are a convenient amenity. Reddit

Beyond the river and kites, encourage kids to explore the tide pools (north of the main access) and go beachcombing for treasures. Reddit Keep an eye out for wildlife like sea lions, which have been spotted near the shore. Reddit Remember to pack layers, as coastal weather can change quickly, and always supervise children closely near the water. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, D River State Recreation Site offers a dynamic range of subjects. The kite festivals are a prime opportunity to capture vibrant, aerial displays against the coastal sky. Instagram+1 The confluence of the D River and the Pacific Ocean provides unique compositional possibilities, especially during golden hour. TikTok Sunsets over the ocean are consistently stunning, offering dramatic colors and silhouettes. TikTok

Don't forget to explore the tide pools for macro photography opportunities and the general beach landscape for sweeping coastal shots. Reddit Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as sea lions, which can add an exciting element to your photos. Reddit Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a telephoto lens for wildlife. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions and capturing sharp images of the kites. TikTok

🌊 Adventure Seekers

While D River State Recreation Site is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, adventure seekers can still find their thrill. The ocean waves can be powerful and offer a challenge for experienced swimmers or bodyboarders, though caution is advised due to their abrupt nature. Reddit Beachcombing and float hunting can feel like a treasure hunt, requiring patience and a keen eye. TikTokReddit For those interested in exploring further, the surrounding Oregon Coast offers numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, with D River State Recreation Site serving as a great starting point or a relaxing stop. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Kite Festivals

D River State Recreation Site is renowned for hosting two major kite festivals annually: the Summer Kite Festival in June and the Fall Kite Festival in September. These events transform the skies above Lincoln City into a vibrant canvas of color, with massive, intricately designed kites like octopuses, whales, and dragons dancing in the wind. Instagram+2 Visitors can marvel at professional kite fliers, participate in free kite-making workshops, and enjoy live performances and carnival games. Instagram It's a truly captivating experience that draws families and kite enthusiasts from far and wide, making these weekends the most popular times to visit. Instagram+1

Beyond the organized festivals, the consistent ocean breezes make D River State Recreation Site an excellent location for casual kite flying year-round. Even if you don't have your own kite, the sight of kites against the coastal backdrop is a photographer's dream. TikTok Many visitors find joy in simply watching the kites soar, creating a cheerful and lively atmosphere on the beach. Reddit

Exploring the D River: A Unique Natural Feature

One of the most distinctive features of D River State Recreation Site is the D River itself, famously known as the world's shortest river. It originates from Devils Lake and flows a mere 120 feet before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Reddit This unique confluence creates a special environment where visitors can experience both river and ocean waters. The river's calmer flow makes it a much safer and more enjoyable option for children to play and wade in compared to the potentially strong ocean waves. Reddit

This natural playground is a significant draw for families. Parents can relax a bit more knowing their little ones are in the relatively sheltered river waters, while still being steps away from the vastness of the Pacific. Reddit The contrast between the gentle river and the powerful ocean is a fascinating natural phenomenon to observe and interact with. It’s a reminder of the diverse and often surprising landscapes found along the Oregon Coast. Reddit

Beachcombing and Coastal Treasures

The sandy shores of D River State Recreation Site offer more than just kite-flying opportunities. It's a fantastic spot for beachcombing, where visitors can search for unique treasures washed ashore by the tides. Popular finds include sea glass, interesting shells, and driftwood. Reddit Some visitors even engage in 'float hunting,' a quest to find colorful glass floats that are sometimes hidden along the coastline. TikTokReddit

Just north of the main beach access, you can discover fascinating tide pools, especially during low tide. These miniature marine ecosystems are teeming with small sea creatures like anemones, starfish, and tiny crabs, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life of the Oregon Coast. Reddit Exploring these natural wonders is an engaging activity for all ages, providing educational and exciting discoveries. Remember to tread lightly and observe these delicate habitats respectfully. Reddit