Kayaking

With its calm waters and shelter from coastal winds, Devils Lake provides some of the best kayaking conditions in Lincoln City. Dip your paddle in the water and breathe in the scenery, wildlife and the Pacific Northwest serenity.

The adventure of Siletz Bay beckons; with multiple tidal sloughs to explore in the Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge, you can paddle your way by the Four Brothers rocks in the bay or take in the natural coastal beauty and variety of wildlife in the refuge.

Three miles north of Lincoln City rests the gorgeous waterway maze of the Salmon River Estuary. Head west from Highway 101 on to Three Rocks Road until you arrive at Knight Park. Launch into the Salmon River, either north into the Estuary or south to the river’s mouth and the Pacific. Downstream lays a stretch of secluded beach, accessible only by watercraft.

Upstream of the Siletz River are two perfect kayak launch spots—Strome Park and the Coyote Rock RV Park & Marina. Be mindful of the tides and river depth—during low tide, the waters can get shallow. Accessible from Siletz Bay, Schooner Creek is an easygoing, in-and-out kayak adventure—launch from the bay and paddle your way upstream.

Kayaking the Pacific Ocean is not for the faint of heart, but experienced paddlers with sea kayaks can find an exciting and challenging adventure on the waves. Be extremely mindful of ocean conditions before making your way on to the Pacific, and practice safety.

Looking to discover the hidden gems of the Salmon River Estuary? Safari Town Surf offers two to three-hour guided tours from March through October, reveling in the natural beauty and wildlife along the Estuary. Salmon River Wooden Kayak Company also offers small guided tours through the Estuary in their beautifully crafted kayaks. All tours are subject to weather conditions and availability. Kayak Tillamook, one of the most extensive and oldest guide services on the Oregon Coast, offers flat water sightseeing and instructional tours year-round, covering inland waterways, coastal bays, rivers, forested sloughs, backwater channels and freshwater lakes.

If you’re lacking a kayak, there are many places in Lincoln City to rent one for your next adventure.

• Lincoln City Surf Shop, 541-996-7433, 4792 SE Highway 101
• Safari Town Surf Shop, 541-996-6335, 3026 NE Highway 101
• Coyote Rock RV Park & Marina, 541-996-6824, 1676 Siletz Highway