A Local’s Guide to Lincoln City’s Best Wildlife-Watching Spots
Lincoln City is often known for its long, sandy beaches and Finders Keepers glass floats, but those who venture beyond the well-trodden shorelines will find a haven for wildlife. From elusive river otters to migrating shorebirds, Lincoln City’s unique mix of coastal, estuarine, and freshwater habitats make it one of the best places on the Oregon Coast to experience nature up close. Here’s a nuanced guide to the best wildlife spots—some well-known, others off the beaten path.
1. The Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge: A Haven for Birds and Marine Life
Best For: Great blue herons, bald eagles, river otters
Location: Just south of Lincoln City along Highway 101
Why It’s Special: Siletz Bay’s marshes, mudflats, and forests create a thriving ecosystem that supports an array of bird species, from egrets to eagles. The refuge is also home to a healthy population of river otters, which can sometimes be seen swimming near the boardwalks.
Local Tip: Bring a spotting scope—bald eagles frequently perch on snags near the water’s edge, and during low tide, you might see harbor seals resting on the sandbars.
2. Devils Lake: A Freshwater Sanctuary
Best For: Western grebes, beavers, osprey
Location: Just east of Highway 101, within Lincoln City
Why It’s Special: While the ocean gets most of the attention, Devils Lake offers a completely different wildlife experience. The lake’s calm waters and wetland edges attract nesting osprey and diving grebes, while beavers and muskrats quietly work along the shoreline.
Local Tip: Paddle a kayak into the upper reaches of the lake at dusk—you’ll have the best chance of spotting beavers and listening to the haunting calls of grebes echoing across the water.
3. Roads End State Recreation Site: A Secret Seal Sanctuary
Best For: Harbor seals, sea stars, intertidal marine life
Location: Northernmost point of Lincoln City
Why It’s Special: While most visitors come here for the sweeping views and tide pools, few realize that a hidden cove just beyond the main beach is a favored haul-out spot for harbor seals.
Local Tip: Head to the north end of the beach at low tide, then carefully scramble over the rocks to the secluded cove. Keep your distance—seals are easily disturbed by humans, but they’ll often curiously watch you from the water.
4. The Knoll at Cascade Head: Where Elk Roam Free
Best For: Roosevelt elk, red-tailed hawks, wildflowers
Location: North of Lincoln City, accessible via a moderate hike from Road 1861
Why It’s Special: This lesser-known viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama of the coastline, but the real draw is the wildlife. Roosevelt elk herds graze in the meadows, and red-tailed hawks can often be seen soaring overhead.
Local Tip: Visit at dawn or dusk when elk are most active. Bring binoculars—hawks often perch on lone trees near the ridgeline, scanning for prey.
5. D River Estuary: A Birdwatcher’s Dream
Best For: Shorebirds, peregrine falcons, migratory ducks
Location: Central Lincoln City, where D River meets the Pacific
Why It’s Special: The D River, one of the world’s shortest rivers, creates an estuarine habitat that attracts shorebirds in search of food. Migratory ducks often stop here in fall and spring, while peregrine falcons use the high beachfront cliffs as hunting perches.
Local Tip: On foggy mornings, stand at the river mouth and look up—peregrine falcons often emerge dramatically from the mist, hunting smaller birds along the shore.
6. The Hidden Tide Pools of Spyglass Ridge
Best For: Purple sea urchins, giant green anemones, octopuses (if you're lucky!)
Location: Accessible via an unmarked trail off 50th Street
Why It’s Special: Most visitors stick to the tide pools near Roads End, but the ones at Spyglass Ridge are quieter and teeming with life. The hidden pools here are known for their dense anemone beds and occasional sightings of small Pacific octopuses.
Local Tip: Check tide charts before heading out—these pools are only accessible at negative tides. Bring waterproof boots for a safer trek over the rocks.
Essential Wildlife-Watching Tips
- Pack Binoculars: Many of the best sightings, from elk to bald eagles, happen at a distance.
- Check Tides and Migration Patterns: Some wildlife, like shorebirds and seals, are best seen at specific times of the year or tide cycle.
- Respect the Space: Many of these areas are sensitive habitats—keep a respectful distance and avoid loud noises.
- Visit at Off-Peak Hours: Dawn and dusk are the best times for active wildlife, plus you'll avoid the crowds.
Conclusion
Lincoln City is more than just a beach town—it’s a thriving natural ecosystem where wildlife flourishes in secret estuaries, windswept forests, and hidden tide pools. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual nature enthusiast, these spots offer an unparalleled chance to experience Oregon’s coastal wildlife in its most unspoiled form. So grab your binoculars, take a quiet walk, and let Lincoln City’s hidden wildlife gems reveal themselves to you.
Pro Tip: Visit the Lincoln City Audubon Society’s website for seasonal birding events and guided nature walks led by local experts.
