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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Kite festivals fill the sky!

D River State Recreation Site
Best Time
Kite festivals fill the sky!

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

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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!

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.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Kite Festivals
Beach Access & River Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🪁 Bring Your Own Kite
Even outside festival times, the beach is perfect for kite flying. Bring your own for extra fun!
♿ Accessible Beach Mat
A large mat provides easy access to the beach, great for strollers and wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🪁 Bring Your Own Kite
Even outside festival times, the beach is perfect for kite flying. Bring your own for extra fun!
♿ Accessible Beach Mat
A large mat provides easy access to the beach, great for strollers and wheelchairs.
🔍 Float Hunting
Some visitors enjoy 'float hunting' for glass floats, a fun beach activity.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! There's a small paved walkway that leads down onto the beach, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
The kite festivals themselves are free to attend and watch. You don't need to purchase tickets to enjoy the spectacle of the kites.
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.
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.
🎫 🏖️ 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.
The D River is generally calmer and safer for wading and swimming, especially for children, compared to the ocean. However, always supervise children closely.
Restrooms and a hand-washing station are available, which is very convenient. Some areas may also have picnic tables.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Lincoln City offers diverse culinary experiences, including local seafood, American fare, and even unique offerings like brisket and baked potatoes at local BBQ spots.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Kites during festivals, the unique D River meeting the ocean, sea lions (if you're lucky!), sunsets, and general coastal landscapes are popular subjects.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the river and kites, encourage kids to explore the tide pools (north of the main access) and go beachcombing for treasures. Keep an eye out for wildlife like sea lions, which have been spotted near the shore. Remember to pack layers, as coastal weather can change quickly, and always supervise children closely near the water.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to explore the tide pools for macro photography opportunities and the general beach landscape for sweeping coastal shots. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as sea lions, which can add an exciting element to your photos. 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.
🌊 Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Kite Festivals
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. Many visitors find joy in simply watching the kites soar, creating a cheerful and lively atmosphere on the beach.
Exploring the D River: A Unique Natural Feature
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. 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.
Beachcombing and Coastal Treasures
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. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit