Published 10/28/2026 at 9:55 p.m.

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Can you drive on Lincoln City's NW 15th Street ramp and (known as Oregon Coast Beach Access #44)?

Yes and no. It depends on the time of year.

For decades, driving at the NW 15th Street access and ramp had been allowed year-round - one of the few on the entire Oregon coast. It is now blocked during the summer months, but allowed in fall, winter and spring. You can drive 150 feet in either direction. This is permitted starting October 1 and will be so through April 30 of every year.

Then driving is not allowed on the NW 15th Street access from May through September.

And for good reason.

In recent years, new rules were adopted by the Lincoln City Council and Oregon State Parks. They based this decision on the input of local fire and rescue crews, who urged authorities to change the rules for the safety of the public. Among the issues: they had found congestion of vehicles at these beaches hindered rescue efforts after 911 calls were made for the area.

This is, after all, where the main tidepools are in Lincoln City. There are more people on this beach during summer and Lincoln City's tidepool Exploriences tours are held here.

For this spot, it's a bit of a struggle to find parking space on the street. And, of course, parking on the beach itself isn't a good idea if you're going to wander away from your care.

Vehicles are allowed on the beach here, via a slightly steep ramp, and only in a restricted area. But since there can be a lot of loose sand here, you run the chance of getting your car stuck if you veer into the wrong place.

Still, it’s a pleasant little spot, with some rocky intertidal areas nearby that can provide some marine life surprises. During winter, sand levels drop down, leaving a more bare and traction-friendly surface. You can see more of the tidepools then, and more critters and odd stuff pops up.

Some photos here show the pulsing blobs of white foam and greenish residue: all signs of a massive diatom bloom. That's the sign of a healthy ocean. In another shot, you see the remnants of old sign that was once there, now gone. It's possible even that remnant is gone.

There’s also restrooms above it all, as well as viewing benches and a convenient stairway running down the ramp for those pedestrians who are uncomfortable with its incline.

Restrooms at NW 15th St. ramp: full facilities. The nearest public restrooms would be at the NW 26th St. access.

What hotels or vacation rentals are near or next to NW 15th beach access? Yes...

A1 Beach Rentals - in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay
Rates can seriously drop even in spring - click on site. Siletz Bay, walk to NW 15th beach access, near Roads End, walk to shopping, short walk to D River access, Lincoln City tidepools

Review: Inn At Wecoma, Lincoln City. Sandy Hayden recommends Inn At Wecoma
Lincoln City Hotel Review: The staff was great, very friendly, and welcoming. The room was great, and I was most thankful they accommodated the dogs. It was awesome how they even gave a doggie treat bag for both of our dogs. Walking to NW 15th access, Near D River access, Lincoln City tidepools, Roads End, walk to shopping, close to Siletz Bay


Two Oregon Coast / Lincoln City Beaches Closed to Cars, Public Comment Sought
NW 34th Ct. and NW 15th access have banned cars. Lincoln City events

Lincoln City Tidepools Hangout at Lincoln City's NW15th: Central Oregon Coast Colors
Lincoln City's NW 15th St. access is full of tidepools

It's called the NW 15th Street access but it's also officially known as Beach Access #44: this is so designated by the emergency number signs on the beach. The primary purpose there is to pinpoint where you need help if you call 911 for a beach emergency, but many towns, municipalities and maps are heading towards use of the number system.