News and Updates

Explore Lincoln City, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Lincoln City processed the transition of oversight of the D River State Recreation Site from OPRD to the City of Lincoln City on April 27, 2026. This transition and lease agreement from OPRD is provided at no cost to the City to support the common goal of vastly improving facilities and access at one of the most popular visitor destinations on the Oregon Coast.

• Lincoln City Welcome Center D River State Recreation Site Press Release 04.27.26

Planning and design for the new Lincoln City Welcome Center are complete, and construction is scheduled to start in Spring of 2026. During construction, the flush restrooms and much of the site will be closed, though Lincoln City plans to make beach access, parking, temporary restrooms and handwashing stations available to visitors as much as possible.

Originally purchased in 1969 with Land and Water Conservation funds, D River State Recreation Site is among Oregon’s top five most visited recreation sites, welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Once home to an aquarium and later to a go-kart track, today it serves as a rest stop, interpretive center, primary access point along Lincoln City’s seven miles of beachfront and home of the Lincoln City Summer and Fall Kite Festivals. In addition to serving as a scenic wayside, the site offers beach and river access, restrooms, paved parking, and easy access to Highway 101 in the heart of Lincoln City.

Throughout the year, more than 3,000 artisan-made Finders Keepers glass floats are placed along Lincoln City’s seven miles of shoreline, ready to be found and treasured. Inspired by the historic Japanese fishing floats that once washed ashore, this one-of-a-kind program invites visitors to slow down, wander, and experience the coastline with a sense of wonder.

Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com for information about kites, glass floats and other activities in Lincoln City.

Open for day use year-round

• Picnicking
• Restrooms (Portable Toilets—during construction)
• Beach Access
• Fishing

For visitor questions or details pertaining to the Lincoln City Welcome Center including live updates, call Explore Lincoln City (541-996-1274) or visit ConnectLincolnCity.org.

For questions regarding details about the D River Wayside, call Lincoln City Public Information Office, Kevin Mattias (541-996-1221), or Explore Lincoln City Event and Outreach Coordinator, Stephanie Hull (541-996-1274).