Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at D River State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–63 °F | 48–72 °F | 41–70 °F | 37–52 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Otis 2 NE, 6 mi away, elevation 150 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Home of the D River — the world’s shortest river at only 120 feet! It flows from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Lincoln City is also famous as the “Kite Capital of the World.”
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lincoln City, Oregon |
| Entry Fee | No state day-use parking permit (city-run since April 2026) |
About D River
D River State Recreation Site in Lincoln City, a state park unit run by the City of Lincoln City since April 2026, is home to the D River — once recognized by Guinness World Records as the shortest river in the world at just 120 feet long! The D River connects Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean in a dramatic rush through the beach. The wide, sandy beach here is one of the most popular on the Oregon coast and hosts the famous Lincoln City Kite Festival twice a year, attracting kite flyers from around the world.
D River State Recreation Site in Lincoln City features the D River — which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river (though Roe River in Montana also claims the title). The D River connects Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean in a mere 120 feet. The site also features excellent beach access and is famous for kite flying.
Things to Do
Beach activities are the star — swimming (with caution in the cold Pacific), beachcombing, kite flying, and building sand castles. The spring and fall Kite Festivals are major events with professional demonstrations. Winter storm watching from the beach is thrilling when massive Pacific waves crash ashore. The site connects to Lincoln City’s mile-long beach promenade and the town’s casino and shopping district.
Seeing the world’s shortest river, kite flying on the beach (Lincoln City hosts major kite festivals), beach walking, surfing, and enjoying the central Oregon coast beach scene.
Getting There
Located in the heart of Lincoln City along Highway 101 on the central Oregon coast. Large parking area directly adjacent to the beach. Since April 27, 2026 the City of Lincoln City runs the site under a lease from Oregon State Parks. While the Lincoln City Welcome Center is being built (planned to finish in early 2027), the restrooms and much of the site are closed, with beach access, parking and temporary restrooms kept open where possible. No state day-use parking permit is required.
Insider Tips
World’s shortest river: The D River in Lincoln City once held the Guinness record for shortest river in the world — flowing just 120 feet from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Pro tip: The beach here is one of the best kite-flying spots in Oregon — the city hosts two major kite festivals annually. Beachcombing: Wide sandy beach ideal for walking.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Kite festivals (June and October). Fall: Storm watching begins. Spring: Whale watching season. Year-round: Beach walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the D River really the world’s shortest river?
The D River in Lincoln City, Oregon flows just 120 feet from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean. It held the Guinness World Record for shortest river for years, though the title has been disputed by Roe River in Montana. Regardless of the record, it’s a fun novelty alongside an excellent beach.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Roads End State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
Wildlife & Nature
D River SRS — at the mouth of the D River — once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the shortest river in the world (120 feet from Devils Lake to the Pacific). The beach’s sandy shore and estuary support shorebirds, gulls, and brown pelicans. World’s Largest Kite Festival is held here.
Nearby Attractions
Lincoln City — adjacent. Devils Lake — behind the beach. Chinook Winds Casino — about 2 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at D River State Recreation Site
Park policy: Since April 27, 2026, the City of Lincoln City has run D River State Recreation Site under a lease from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The beach itself is part of Oregon's ocean shore, where state rules (OAR 736-021-0070) allow dogs under direct control: within your sight and responding to voice commands, with a leash carried at all times and used when park staff ask, and with waste picked up. We could not check Lincoln City's own rules for the wayside and parking area (as of October 2026), and much of the site is closed while the welcome center is built, so check the signs on arrival.
- Pets allowed?
- On the beach, under direct control with a leash carried; Lincoln City rules apply on the wayside
Are dogs allowed at D River State Recreation Site?
On the beach, under direct control with a leash carried; Lincoln City rules apply on the wayside.
More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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