D River State Recreation Site

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

D River State Recreation Site is a popular tourist destination located in Lincoln City, Oregon.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is named after the D River, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's shortest river, at only 120 feet long.

There are several good reasons to visit D River State Recreation Site, including the beautiful beach, picnic areas, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops in downtown Lincoln City. The park is also home to a large kite festival, held annually in June, which attracts thousands of visitors.

Visitors to D River State Recreation Site can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also features a playground and several hiking trails.

One of the most interesting facts about D River State Recreation Site is that the D River actually changes direction twice a day, due to tidal changes. This unique phenomenon can be observed from the park's pedestrian bridge.

The best time of year to visit D River State Recreation Site is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during this time. Fall is also a good time to visit, as the weather is still pleasant and the crowds have thinned out.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks