Devils Lake is a small coastal lake separated from the Pacific by just a sliver of dunes and highway, which is precisely what makes it unusual. The D River drains it into the ocean a short distance away. The lake is calm and warm by Oregon standards, making it genuinely swimmable in summer — a contrast to the cold Pacific surf just over the dunes.
The Devils Lake State Recreation Area has a boat launch, a campground, and canoe and kayak rentals in season. Paddling across the lake in the morning with the Coast Range visible to the east is one of the quieter pleasures around Lincoln City. Fishing for bass and rainbow trout is possible year-round.