Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is a popular destination in the state of Oregon, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of recreational opportunities.
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Summary
The park covers an area of 304 acres and is situated in the Cascade Range, about six miles south of the city of Lincoln City.
One of the main reasons to visit Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is to enjoy the various water-based activities on offer. The lake is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing, with a boat ramp and dock available for public use. The park also has several hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forests, offering great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
One of the most interesting features of Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is its history. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption around 4,000 years ago and has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The park also contains a number of historic sites, including a 1930s-era stone shelter and a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp.
The best time of year to visit Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park can get quite crowded during this time, so visitors should be prepared for some crowds and should plan accordingly. Fall and spring can also be good times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Overall, Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning natural scenery, diverse range of recreational activities, and rich history, it is definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Oregon.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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
D River State Recreation Site
Regatta Grounds Park
Kirtsis Park
Holmes Road Park
Sand Point Park