If you have ever walked the beach thinking, “This is nice, but it could really use a surprise art prize,” congratulations. You are precisely the type of person the Lincoln City glass floats were made for. Consider this Oregon’s most wholesome version of gambling. The odds are mysterious, the payout is beautiful, and the only thing you risk losing is track of time while staring at sand.
If you’re in Portland or anywhere nearby and craving a laid-back Oregon Coast adventure, the Lincoln City glass floats are calling.
These are stunning, hand-blown glass orbs, colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artisans, hidden along seven miles of beach from Roads End down to Siletz Bay. The tradition is inspired by historic Japanese fishing floats that once drifted across the Pacific, but today it’s a modern treasure hunt run by the Finders Keepers program.
The Float Fairies, which is honestly a perfect name, are volunteers who hide more than 3,000 floats each year. They place them just above the high-tide line and below the beach embankment, day or night, rain or shine. You never know precisely when or where one might appear. The 2026 theme, From Fire to Fire, celebrates the journey from molten glass in the kiln to a lucky beach discovery. It’s a simple reminder that sometimes the best moments happen when you are just wandering around with no plan.
Why people love it
- Zero pressure, all good vibes. Walk the beach and scan for a pop of color near driftwood or sand.
- If you spot one, it’s yours: no digging, no climbing embankments, and no touching beach grass.
- One float per household per year helps spread the love.
- The program is big on respecting the coast. Pack out trash, watch tides and sneaker waves, and keep it eco-friendly.
Perfect for families
Kids lose their minds over this. It’s a real-life treasure hunt with no screens, unlimited excitement. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring snacks, build sandcastles, poke around tide pools, and casually scan the beach like a group of extremely polite pirates. It’s free, low-key, and gets everyone moving without anyone realizing they are exercising. Public access points are everywhere, so pick one and start exploring.
If someone in your group has mobility challenges, there’s still a way to join in. The monthly Trash for Treasures drawings let participants collect beach litter, submit a photo, or drop it off at the Welcome Center. Winners receive floats without needing to beachcomb.
2026 special drops
The program runs year-round with more than 3,000 floats, plus bonus drops for holidays and events. Dates can shift due to weather or king tides, so it’s smart to double-check before heading out.
- January 9 to 11: Opening Weekend, 100 floats (the hunt is already on!)
- February 6 to 16: Retro Expo, 100 Japanese antique-style floats
- April 22 to 25: Earth Day, 50 special floats
- June 19 to 20: Chinook Winds Casino Resort’s 31st anniversary, 31 floats
- September, dates TBD: Fall Kite Festival, 10 floats
- October 30 to November 1: Halloween, 50 floats
Found one? Here’s what to do
Snap a photo of the registration number, usually on the button underneath. Register it online, by phone at 541-996-1274, or in person at the Visitor Information Center at 801 SW Hwy 101, 4th Floor, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You’ll receive a Certificate of Authenticity with artist details, and you can share your win using #FindersKeepersLC.
It’s an easy drive from Portland. Throw on a jacket, grab your most trustworthy walking shoes, and head west. Worst-case scenario, you get fresh air, salty hair, and a very respectable beach walk. Best case scenario, you come home with a glowing piece of art and casually say, “Oh, this? I just found it on the beach,” for the rest of your life. Before you go, check Explore Lincoln City for the latest updates.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.