Oregon's Under-The-Radar Mysteriously Named Lake State Park Is Packed With Adventure

Oregon has no shortage of outdoor treasures, boasting an array of landscapes including volcanic peaks, high desert, unspoiled beaches, rugged canyons, and one of the country's most underrated wine regions. The Beaver State really delivers when it comes to nature, which locals wear as a badge of pride. An outdoor lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with being an Oregonian, and the state's parks and nature reserves draw visitors from around the country for their raw beauty and grandeur.

While Oregon certainly has one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of the U.S., its Pacific shoreline is about more than sand, surf, and arresting sea stack formations. Located next to the charming coastal town of Lincoln City, Devil's Lake is known for its clean, cool waters and proximity to some of the state's best beaches, as well as once claiming to have the "shortest river in the world." 

Like this under-the-radar gem on the other side of the Cascades, people come to Devil's Lake to camp, kayak, swim, fish, enjoy watersports, and take in the birds and wildlife that call the area home. The fact that Devil's Lake is a rare freshwater body of water located just a stone's throw from the surging waters of the Pacific makes it a truly unique destination. It's a place of pure Pacific Northwestern beauty and serenity, despite its ominous-sounding name.

Devil's Lake is made up of 685 acres of peaceful waters and has the added advantage of being sheltered from the often-blustery coastal winds. While there are some private homes on the shoreline, the lake can be publicly accessed from six separate areas: Regatta Grounds, Holmes Road Park, Sand Point Park, Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, Hostetler Park, and Devil's Lake Campground, which has 87 sites for both tents and RVs, as well as 10 yurts (available for rent), and 12 boat moorage slips.

Devil's Lake was named for a Native American legend that claimed that it contained an aquatic, man-eating beast. It's a classic Pacific Northwest-style natural reservoir with cool, clean waters, and while there's no evidence of monsters, the lake is home to a number of gamefish that draw anglers, including rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie. You can bring your own boat or just cast a line off the recreation area's fishing dock. The refreshing lake is also ideal for swimming in the heat of the summer, and is popular with kayakers and people more into motorized watercraft such as jet skis and speedboats.

A boardwalk leads away from the lake toward the beach, crossing over wetlands to the D River Recreation Site. With a flow of only 440 feet (at low tide), D River was once dubbed "the shortest river in the world," though that honor was eventually (and controversially) passed on to Montana's Roe River. However you measure it, D River is a terrific site for glassing birds, as species such as Great Egrets, flamingos, mallards, and Canada geese call the tiny estuary home.

Situated on Oregon's incredibly scenic coast, Lincoln City has been a regional vacation destination since the 1930s. This settlement of 10,000 people was once a collection of communities that consolidated into one town in 1965 and has grown into one of the state's leading coastal draws. People flock to Lincoln City for its over 7 miles of sandy beaches and roaring surf. The town's beaches are wide and windy, making them perfect for kite-flying. In fact, Lincoln City hosts two kite festivals each year, where the skies come alive in a thrilling, kaleidoscopic display of fluttering airborne objects.

Another cool and unique thing about Lincoln City is its "Finders Keepers" project. Described as "random acts of findness," each year over 3,000 handcrafted glass floats (made by local artists) are hidden among the long stretch of beach. The concept is simple: If you find one, you get to keep it.

This is an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind souvenir of your visit to Lincoln City. If you wish to see how these floats are made, make sure to book an appointment at the Lincoln City Glass Center, where you can watch artisans ply their craft up close. For more of Oregon's scenic glory, check out this epic road trip.