Roads End State Recreation Site

Roads End State Recreation Site marks the northern end of Lincoln City's beach access, where the road meets a rocky headland and the sandy beach gives way to tide pools and rocks. This popular day-use area provides excellent tide pooling opportunities and beach access in a scenic setting where forested headland meets the sea.

The rocky intertidal zone hosts colorful sea stars, anemones, mussels, and hermit crabs. Harbor seals often haul out on nearby rocks. Gray whales pass offshore during migration seasons. The beach supports shorebirds while the adjacent forest provides habitat for songbirds and small mammals.

Coastal Sitka spruce and shore pine forest dominates the headland, with salt-tolerant vegetation on exposed areas. Hardy intertidal algae clings to the rocks. Beach grasses stabilize the foredune. The forest understory includes salal, evergreen huckleberry, and sword fern.

The headland is composed of resistant basalt that has withstood erosion while softer rocks eroded to form the beach. The tide pools occupy depressions carved in the basalt by wave action. The sandy beach extends south along the Lincoln City shoreline, one of Oregon's most accessible beaches.

Roads End experiences the mild, wet climate of the central Oregon coast. Summers are cool with temperatures in the 60s°F and frequent fog. Winters are mild with temperatures in the mid-40s. Annual precipitation exceeds 70 inches. Low tides provide the best tidepooling opportunities.

The central Oregon coast has been home to the Siletz people for thousands of years. The rocky headlands provided access to marine resources. Euro-American settlement brought development to the Lincoln City area. Roads End marks where early road construction ended at the rocky point.

Roads End became a state recreation site to preserve public beach access and protect the tide pool area. Oregon State Parks manages the site for day-use recreation. The park serves residents and visitors seeking beach access and marine life observation.

Tide pooling in the rocky intertidal zone reveals fascinating marine life during low tides. The beach provides walking and wildlife watching opportunities. The headland offers views along the coast. Whale watching is popular during migration seasons.

The site provides parking and beach access. Day-use only with no camping. Located at the north end of Lincoln City on Highway 101. Tide schedules should be checked for optimal tidepooling. The site is accessible year-round.

Visitors are encouraged to observe tide pool inhabitants without disturbing them. Oregon State Parks protects the sensitive intertidal habitat. Marine education helps visitors appreciate and protect coastal ecosystems. Leave No Trace principles help preserve this natural area.