Lincoln City is a perfect place to soak in the natural beauty and unexpected adventure in the heart of the Oregon Coast. Get that mind-blowing shot you've been daydreaming about.
Experience lofty views of Lincoln City from The Knoll
A little sister to Cascade Head, the meadowed hill on the north end of Lincoln City is affectionately known as “The Knoll.” Once you reach the top of this moderately difficult, mile-long uphill hike, you'll take in the awesome views of the Pacific coastline and Lincoln City. To reach the trailhead, turn north on NE Devils Lake Blvd from Highway 101. Follow the road past a gate until reaching a cul-de-sac. Park on the street and the trailhead to The Knoll is just beyond the road and takes you through forest and field.
Where the thick green forest blends into a network of estuaries, a smooth bay and long sandy beaches covered in unique driftwood accumulate, Siletz Bay is a perfect place for a bonfire, digging for clams, or trying to catch a crab. Stroll along the Taft dock with a warm bowl of Mo's chowder and imagine the days when Siletz Bay was a working harbor and ships sailed in to transport lumber to distant lands. Watch glass artisans fuse and blend and twirl glass into iridescent art. Then grab a delicious craft beer and watch the sunset behind the backdrop of the Four Brothers rocks. There is no lack of photo opportunities here.
Enjoy the spectacular landscape of Devils Lake from Regatta Grounds
A long, sprawling hillside leading right up to the edge of Devils Lake, Regatta Grounds is a perfect place to relax on a sunny afternoon. The park has a play structure, boat ramp, protected swimming area, fishing docs, picnic area, restrooms, and a gorgeous view of the lake. You'll find small trails nearby where you can explore towering Sitka Spruces and unique tree formations. You'll also pass by the statue of the Devils Lake Creature, standing guard over the playground as you pull into the parking lot.
Reward yourself after hiking Cascade Head with stunning coastal sights
Three miles north of Lincoln City, a gorgeous headland waits to be explored. Cascade Head offers out and back trails with breathtaking views of the Oregon coastline and the Salmon River Estuary. As a protected wildlife sanctuary, there are key ways to respect and protect Cascade Head’s natural beauty and wildlife—removal of foliage, hunting, camping, fires, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed so this delicate environment may be preserved. Find the perfect picture against the backdrop of the Pacific.
Fun Fact: Cascade Head is a 102,110-acre site designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve on the central Oregon Coast. This happened in 1976 by the United Nations Man and Biosphere Program.
*Some trails on Cascade Head remain closed, please follow the signs and stay off closed routes.
Thick with forest and well-maintained hiking trails, at the end of the line is a gorgeous 75-foot waterfall and a 240-foot suspension bridge. Creating a perfect opportunity for Pacific Northwest adventures and photographs. This is probably the most popular spot to get your Instagram-worthy shot. Getting to the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead is a bit of a drive from Lincoln City—follow signage south to Drift Creek Road off Highway 101 for two miles and go left on Forest Road 17. Follow the road for 10 miles to the trailhead, where there is parking, a day-use fee area, and restrooms.
Experience nothing but scenic views at the Inn at Spanish Head
One of Lincoln City's oldest and well-known hotels sits on a cliff's edge with a completely unobstructed view of the vast Pacific Ocean. Take a dip in their oceanfront swimming pool, lounge on your private large deck as you watch the sunset, or just head in for a drink and snack at Fathoms Penthouse Restaurant and Bar. The bar is located on the top floor giving you a birds-eye view from your table as you watch whale spouts in the distance. Pro tip? Girls should head into the women's bathroom...the floor-to-ceiling glass window makes a perfect spot to strike a pose for a photo and make everyone ask "where was this taken?"
