Best Bike Ride Route on the Oregon Coast: Neotsu to Lincoln City
A Summer Cycling Experience You Don’t Want to Miss
August is an ideal time to explore the Central Oregon Coast by bike. The 17-mile route from Neotsu to Lincoln City follows mostly flat terrain and includes quiet roads, scenic lakefront paths, and coastal neighborhoods. The ride finishes at Wecoma’s wide, sandy beaches. Late-summer temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low-70s, with steady ocean breezes creating comfortable riding conditions.
Why Ride This Bike Route?
Stable Forecasts
September sees the coast’s lowest rain odds, think bluebird mornings and cotton‑candy sunsets. Reliable weather means less gear to pack, fewer surprises on the trail, and more time savoring each scenic stop. It’s ideal for planning multi-hour rides without watching the sky in worry.
Wildlife Encounters
Mature blackberry thickets lure cedar waxwings, while Devils Lake hosts late‑season osprey dives. Bring binoculars or a phone zoom lens, kids love spotting bird nests, and patient riders might glimpse river otters at dawn. Early morning is best for quiet wildlife views.
Less Crowds
Post‑Labor Day weekdays mean emptier bike lanes, faster café service, and last‑minute lodging deals. Great news for introverts, spontaneous travelers, or couples seeking a serene escape. You’ll share the trail with herons and breeze, not buses and selfie sticks.
Long Golden Hour
Soft, angled light flatters shoreline photography and keeps temperatures ideal for a sunset beach spin. The glow enhances every frame, whether you’re shooting helmet selfies, capturing tidepools, or just watching the waves. It also means safer rides, with better visibility and less glare.
Quick‑Glance Route Specs
| Start | Finish | Miles | Elevation Gain | Surface | Best Bike Type |
| Neotsu (Lake Point) | Wecoma Beach, Lincoln City | ~17.3 | 680 ft | 70 % paved, 30 % hard‑packed trail | Hybrid, Gravel, E‑Bike |
(Add 2-3 miles of optional detours along Devils Lake boardwalks and beach promenades.)
Segment‑by-Segment Guide for You Bike Ride
0.0 - 3.2 mi | Neotsu → Lake Point Lookout
Start Point: The ride begins at Lake Point Park’s day‑use lot, a grassy bluff above Devils Lake’s quieter north arm. Picnic tables, potable water, and vault toilets make last‑minute prep painless. Photographers can stop just past mile 1 for a lakeside dock that captures mirror-like reflections at dawn. This segment is also stroller-friendly, so tag along trailers roll smoothly for family riders.
Highlights:
- Early‑morning glass on the lake mirrors hemlock slopes, prime GoPro time.
- Keep eyes peeled for Western grebes skimming the surface during late‑summer courtship dances.
Pro tip: Warm up with a quick spin around Lake Point’s 0.8‑mile loop trail; its crushed‑gravel surface is dog‑friendly perfect if the pup is tagging along in a trailer.
3.2 - 7.5 mi | Lake‑to‑Forest Transition
Route: Exit via NE West Devil’s Lake Rd, then segue onto the lightly trafficked Slick Rock Creek Road. Here, moss‑draped maples arch overhead, filtering sunlight into emerald dapples. Keep a light sweater handy, this shaded stretch stays cool, even in August. If you’re riding solo, it’s a meditative portion with only wind and wheels for company. Look for deer at the forest edge around dusk.
Elevation: A gentle 3 – 4 % grade climbs 320 feet over two miles, enough to stretch the quads without burning them.
What to See:
- Seasonal waterfalls trickle from basalt cutbanks – welcome mist on warm afternoons.
- Wild blackberry brambles line both shoulders. Toss a handful into your jersey pocket for on‑the‑fly ride fuel.
Safety: Watch for local logging trucks on weekdays; their operators are courteous but fast. A rear blinky light boosts visibility in shady stretches.
7.5 -11.0 mi | Cross‑Range Descent & Devils Lake State Recreation Area Detour
Decision Point: At the junction with NE East Devils Lake Rd, choose the direct drop toward the lake or add a 2‑mile loop through Devils Lake State Recreation Area. It’s recommended to take the detour, you’ll glide beneath old-growth spruce, cross timber boardwalks, and pass marshy inlets where herons often gather. This loop is worth it for its quiet, car-free glide. Interpretive signs offer kid-friendly science moments, turn the ride into an informal “bike school” day. Birders, bring a compact monocular for marshland action.
Lakefront Bonus:
- Stop at the floating fishing pier for a snack and toe‑cool.
- Interpretive signs explain the lake’s volcanic origins and fragile hydrology-handy for curious kids.
Services: Flush restrooms, potable water, and coin‑operated hot showers if your campsite evenings turn into spontaneous overnights.
11.0 -14.1 mi | City Fringe & Cultural Pit‑Stops
Terrain: Merge onto NE 22nd Street and transition from forest hush to Lincoln City’s artsy neighborhoods. Bike lanes appear, and traffic remains light in late summer. This is your best chance for a latte, a snack, or a spare tube if needed. Don’t rush this segment, it blends color, charm, and convenience.
Must‑Stops:
- Prehistoric Rock Shop (22nd & 101): Dog‑friendly patio, epic agate selection, great saddlebag souvenir.
- Kelp Cafe: Vegan smoothies, pup‑cup peanut‑butter treats, and an air‑pump station for low tires.
Cultural Nugget: Lincoln City’s “Finders Keepers” glass‑float program hides hundreds of hand‑blown orbs on the beach daily October–May, but late‑summer riders sometimes catch a teaser drop, keep your eyes open once you hit sand.
14.1 - 17.3 mi | Wecoma Beach Roll & Sand Finale
Route: From NE 35th, wind west along beach‑side Oceanview Dr. The final mile transitions to a hard‑packed sand segment at low tide-fat‑bike heaven but doable on hybrids with slightly lowered psi. The transition onto sand is smoother an hour before low tide, check the NOAA app to time your ride. E-bikes and gravel tires do fine if you lower your psi slightly. Pause at the Oceanview pullout for a panoramic shot before descending.
Wecoma Beach Landmarks:
- D River Wayside: Shortest river in the world, world‑record kite festivals, public restrooms.
- Boss Burrito Food Cart: Post‑ride protein punch; ask for the “Sea‑Salt Dog” tortilla wrap if Buddy pedaled along.
Sunset Ritual: Lock bikes at the public rack near NW 33rd, kick off shoes, and jog 200 yards to the tideline. Late‑summer salmon‑pink clouds reflect in tide‑washed sand, perfect group photo backdrop.
Places to Explore Nearby
| Attraction | Distance from Wecoma Beach | Why It’s Worth a Spin |
| Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy | 1 mi | Secret botanical gem blooming with hydrangeas through Sept. Free entry, pet‑friendly pathways. |
| Lincoln City Cultural Center | 2 mi | Rotating art exhibits, local‑history murals, Friday farmers’ market with bike‑valet. |
| Roads End State Rec Site | 4 mi N | Tide‑pool wonderland and a hidden cove accessible only at minus tide, extend ride on quiet Sal‑La‑Sea Dr. |
| Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge | 6 mi S | Oyster‑thick estuary paddles; rent kayaks and stash bikes at the boat ramp. |
| Drift Creek Covered Bridge | 10 mi SE | Oregon’s oldest Disney‑red span relocated to a bucolic pasture, stellar drone shot locale. |
Fueling the Ride: Late‑Summer Eats & Sips
| Mile Marker | Venue | Best Order | Bike‑Parking? |
| 0.0 | Otis Café Outpost (5 min car detour) | German potato pancakes & marionberry jam | Covered rack |
| 9.0 | Devils Lake Creamery Cart | Cold‑brew float with lavender ice cream | Lean‑to hooks |
| 13.5 | Pacific Grind Espresso | Sea‑salt caramel nitro & pup treats | Front rail |
| 15.8 | Black Squid Beerhouse | Post‑ride hazy IPA flight & soft pretzel | Rear patio corrals |
| 17.3 | J’s Fish & Chips | Dungeness crab roll + curly fries | Beach rack |
Essential Packing List
- 32‑oz water bottle + electrolyte tabs (no services miles 3–7).
- Multitool, spare tube, mini pump, shoulders hide goathead thorns.
- Wind shell & light gloves; coastal breezes drop temps after 5 p.m.
- Tide‑chart app (NOAA) to time low‑tide sand segment.
- Bright head‑ and taillights; late‑summer twilight still surprises under forest cover.
- Bike lock for café stops; crime is low but peace of mind is priceless.
- Sand‑rinsing foot towel stashed in seat‑bag for post‑beach cleanup.
- Tune & Lube Bikes the week before, coastal headwinds expose drivetrain squeaks.
- Check Tides & Wind, 24 hrs ahead for beach‑ride timing.
- Pack Layered Apparel – sun hoodie + packable vest beat fickle marine layers.
FAQs
Q. Is this route safe for kids or beginner riders?
Most of the route is kid-friendly, with light traffic and gentle grades. However, the gravel and beach sections may be tricky for young or inexperienced riders, so plan accordingly or stick to the paved portions.
Q. Where can I rent a bike/e-bike?
Lincoln City Surf & Cycle offers Class-1 and Class-2 e-bikes with up to a 40-mile range. Rentals are popular on weekends, so it’s best to book at least 48 hours ahead during busy months.
Q. What are the shuttle options nearby?
Chinook Winds Casino’s free city shuttle allows folded or wheel‑removed bikes in luggage holds, confirm space by phone.
Q: How long does the ride take?
On average, expect 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, including a few scenic stops. Faster riders or e-bikes can finish in under an hour.
Q: What’s the best time of day to ride this route in summer?
Mornings are ideal—temperatures are cooler, winds are lighter, and traffic is minimal. By late afternoon, coastal winds can pick up, especially near the beach section.
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