Lincoln City

Lincoln City is called the "Kite Capital of the World" with two kite festivals in June and September. Lincoln City has big long beaches and above all, reliable winds to lift huge kites into the air. Festival is free and fun for families.

Alder Island Nature Trail is a short loop trail (.6 mile) along the Siletz River and wetlands. It's an easy level trail lined with ferns, shaded under the trees, benches along the trail. Look for ducks, herons, eagles, river otters in the Siletz River.

Fun for everyone in the family, toddlers to grandparents, and perfect spot for a picnic. Access off Highway 101, trail parking available.

Years ago, glass floats used by Asian fisherman would wash up on Lincoln City beaches. Today glass art is a tradition in Lincoln City.

Here's the full list.

In summer, kites are available at markets, and year round Winddriven kite store (1529 NW Hwy 101).

Library is located on the second floor, check out two axolotls in the aquarium tank next to the elevator.

In the library is a large children’s area, with books in English and Spanish, toddler puzzles, boxes of blocks, wooden trains, tables and chairs. Perfect for rainy or gray day.

Storytime is two days a week, Music and Movement and Family Night weekly. For family nights, fun activities such as make a wind chime or cook berry smoothies. Check the calendar.

Just east of Hwy 101, Devils Lake is a long tranquil lake with six different parks for swimming, boating, and fishing access.

One year we rented a house on Devils Lake, it was delightful to wake up to see groups of ducks resting with their heads tucked under their wings, or lines of geese landing in the water.

Devils Lake Campground is situated on west side of the lake. Campground has easy access to the beach, and restaurants on Hwy 101. For fun, stay in a yurt. Camground is closed December to May. Reservations required.

Nature Trail – Stroll along a short trail lined with ferns through old growth trees, including a soaring 400 year old Sitka Spruce. Tree is named "Our Ancestor" in the Siletz Dee-ni language.

This is one of our favorite trails. Hike up the hillside through towering old growth trees, trail is lined with ferns and flowers. Come out from the forest onto grassy promontory with panoramic views of Salmon Creek Estuary and the coast below.

Hike is about 2 miles to promontory view, 4 miles round trip.

From Lincoln City, drive north on the 101, turn left on 3 Rocks Rd., parking lot is available at Knight County Park. Walk half mile on Savage Road shoulder, to trail that starts up the hill.

Delightful hike through the rainforest to a 75 foot waterfall. Easy wide trail down to the falls, walk across a suspension bridge to other side of the creek. Hike is popular with local families, little kids can do this, and suspension bridge is fun.

Hike down main trail is 3 miles round trip.

At the parking lot is restroom, picnic table. Trail is fine for younger kids, but no strollers. On weekends in summer, try to arrive at parking lot early, it can fill up.

Day use fee, buy ticket in advance online.

Lincoln City is centrally located for fun day trips north and south along the coast:

Tillamook

Depoe Bay

Newport

Fun food –

The Pines Dine food trucks with sushi, shrimp tempura, poke bowls, gyros, pulled pork sandwiches, pad thai, hamburgers, Greek salad, falafel, chowder, mac n cheese, Hawaiian barbeque, tacos, burritos, Indian biryani, sabzis, and more. Closed Tuesday.

Farmers Market – Fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, breads, honey, jams, seafood. Sunday 10am - 3pm, May to October, Lincoln City Cultural Center.