Roads End State Recreation Site
Oregon Recreation Area

Roads End State Recreation Site

Oregon
Available Activities
  • Hunting
  • Surfing
  • Beachcombing
  • Whale Watching
  • Tide Pooling

🌤 Weather at Roads End State Recreation Site by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
39–63 °F48–72 °F41–70 °F37–52 °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, 5 mi away, elevation 150 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🏆 Lincoln City Beach — North end beach access at Lincoln City with tide pools and sunset views

Roads End State Recreation Site marks the northern tip of Lincoln City’s 7-mile beach — one of the longest uninterrupted public beaches on the Oregon Coast. The rocky headland at Roads End features excellent tide pools, a small protected cove, and views north to Cascade Head. The site is especially popular for sunset watching as the sun drops directly into the Pacific from this vantage point.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationLincoln City (north end), OR
Entry FeeFree
Beach7-mile beach starts here
FeatureTide pools, Cascade Head views

Frequently Asked Questions

What about the glass floats?

Lincoln City drops hand-blown glass floats on the beach October–May in the “Finders Keepers” program. Roads End is one of the drop zones — find one and it’s yours!

What is Finders Keepers?

Since 1999, Lincoln City has placed hand-blown glass floats on its beaches from October through May. Find one above the high tide line and it’s yours — each is signed by the artist. Over 3,000 floats are dropped annually. Registration gets you a certificate of authenticity.

About Roads End

Roads End State Recreation Site marks the northern terminus of Lincoln City’s 7-mile beach — where the road literally ends at the Pacific Ocean. The beach here is backed by dramatic headlands and sea caves accessible at low tide.

Things to Do

Tide pool exploration in the rocky areas, sea cave exploration at low tide, surfing (this break is popular with locals), beachcombing, and storm watching. The headland trail offers ocean views.

Insider Tips

Lincoln City north: Roads End is where the road literally ends — a cul-de-sac meets the beach at the north end of Lincoln City. Pro tip: The beach connects to a long stretch of sand perfect for kite flying — Lincoln City calls itself the “Kite Capital of the World.” Glass floats: Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers program drops hand-blown glass floats on the beach October-May — find one and keep it.

Best Time to Visit

October-May: Finders Keepers glass float season. Summer: Best weather for kite flying and beach walking. Winter: Storm watching and treasure hunting. Year-round: The D River (world’s shortest river) enters the sea in Lincoln City.

Wildlife & Nature

Roads End State Recreation Site — marking the northern end of Lincoln City — provides beach access where the rugged headlands meet wide sandy beaches. The name is literal — the road ends at the Pacific Ocean. The beach’s tide pools support diverse intertidal communities — hermit crabs, shore crabs, sea anemones, and chitons. During extreme low tides (“minus tides” below zero on tide tables), normally submerged habitats are briefly exposed — creating exceptional tidepool exploration opportunities. Gray whales pass close to shore here — the headland provides excellent whale watching without boat trips. Brown pelicans — squadron flyers that plunge-dive for fish — patrol the surf line. Tufted puffins nest on offshore rocks, their distinctive orange bills visible in binoculars from shore.

Nearby Attractions

Lincoln City — the “Kite Capital of the World” — hosts kite festivals and features a 7-mile beach. D River — one of the world’s shortest rivers (120 feet) — connects Devils Lake to the Pacific. Cascade Head Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) protects rare coastal headland prairie. Lincoln City Glass Center offers glassblowing experiences. Chinook Winds Casino provides entertainment. Depoe Bay — 15 minutes south — is the “Whale Watching Capital of Oregon.” Devils Lake offers freshwater recreation.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with D River State Recreation Site (a short drive away) or Holman State Wayside (a short drive away).

🔮 Visit Roads End SRS

Lincoln City’s northern tip — tide pools, sunsets, and hidden glass float treasures.

📍 Oregon State Parks

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Roads End State Recreation Site

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
Pet fees statewide rule
$10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine

Are dogs allowed at Roads End State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Park Location

Oregon

Plan your gear for Roads End State Recreation Site

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