The best traffic-free bike rides in Tillamook County

Sometimes the best part isn't the beach at all, looking east...

sunset can be beautiful

The North Fork Nehalem River is a natural beauty as it winds through this heavily forested area. Known for its abundant steelhead population, this river is considered to be one of the best fishing locations in the country. If you visit during February or March, you may witness the wild steelhead run and local fishermen angling along the banks of the river. The surrounding wildlife is equally impressive, so watch for deer as you travel through this scenic area.

The North Nehalem Fish Hatchery has a rich history that dates back to 1966 when it was first constructed. This hatchery was built to replace the Foley Creek Hatchery, which had been operational since 1926. Today, it's a modern facility used for adult collection, spawning, and rearing of several fish species, including Chinook, coho, steelhead, and rainbow trout. Visitors can view spawning activity from October to February and learn about the facility through an indoor display.

The world's shortest title was lost in 1989 when Guinness named the Roe River in Montana the shortest in the world. In an attempt to reclaim the title, the people of Lincoln City submitted a new measurement to Guinness of about 120 feet (37 m) marked at "extreme high tide." At the time, the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce described the Roe as a "drainage dike being studied for a school project." Montana supporters shot back that the D was just an "ocean water backup," pointed out that there was an alternative fork to the Roe that was only 30 feet (9.1 m) long and suggested a new survey . Guinness apparently never decided the dispute and let the Roe claim stand, but as of 2006 decided to no longer list the shortest river, perhaps because of this ongoing dispute.

The D River is one of the claimants to the title of “World's Shortest River”. While this claim is disputed, there's no denying that it's run from Devil's Lake to the Pacific is incredibly brief (either 440 feet (0.13 km) or 120 feet (36.58 m), depending on how/when it's measured). Aside from that, you'll find easy access to the beach from the nearby recreation site that is also home to 2 of the largest kite festivals in the world during summer and autumn.

Devil's Lake is a recreation paradise just inland enough to provide a little shelter from the coastal winds. While cycling around its perimeter you'll have half a dozen chances to get down to the water due to all the parks that dot its shores. If you're doing a long ride down Hwy 101 the State Park is a great overnight stop.

Experience the allure of D River, the world's shortest river, joining the ocean in a mere 120 feet (ca. 37 m) from Devil's Lake. Lincoln City's D River Wayside hosts vibrant kite festivals and the renowned Finders Keepers, where you can uncover your own glass float along the captivating coastline.