Devil’s Lake, just east of town, is the recreation center of Lincoln City. In addition to windsurfing and hydroplaning, you can catch eight species of fish here, including catfish, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, and trout. Chinese grass carp were introduced to the lake to help control the rampant aquatic weeds.

There’s also good bird-watching on and around this shallow 678-acre lake, which attracts flocks of migratory geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Species to look for include canvasbacks, Canada geese, widgeons, gadwalls, grebes, and mallards. Bald eagles and ospreys also nest in the trees bordering the lake.

The lake takes its name from a local Native American legend. The story tells that when Siletz warriors paddled a canoe across the lake one moonlit night, a tentacled beast erupted from the still water and pulled the men under. It’s said that boaters today who cross the moon’s reflection in the middle of the lake tempt the same fate, but the lake’s devil has remained silent for years.

Mountain bikes, canoes, paddleboats, and jet skis can be rented at the Blue Heron Landing (4006 W. Devil’s Lake Rd., Lincoln City, 541/994-4708).

Getting to Devil’s Lake

Of the five access points, East Devil’s Lake Road off U.S. 101 northeast of town offers a scenic route around the lake’s east side before rejoining U.S. 101 near the day-use portion of the state park at the south end of the lake. To reach the camping area of Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, take NE Sixth Drive east from U.S. 101, about 0.25 miles north of the D River. The day-use area has a boat ramp, and there’s a moorage dock across the lake adjacent to the campground.