Deschutes National Forest

Home to more than 1.6 million acres, the Forest spans a variety of landscapes and ecosystems.


Park Photo

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

Celebrating more than a century of forest management, the Deschutes National Forest runs along Central Oregon’s Cascades—from the Mount Thielsen Wilderness at its southern tip to the Mount Jefferson Wilderness at the northern point. The Deschutes National Forest encompasses nearly 1.6 million acres, offering year-around recreation opportunities. During the winter months, a wide-range of snow sports are possible across the forest. You can choose from skiing and snowboarding at world-class Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort or snowshoeing and Nordic skiing at one of our various sno-parks. Maybe waking up with the dawn and skinning up one of our many peaks for the sunrise and some backcountry turns is more your style. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head out to Crescent Lake or Dutchman’s Flat on the back of a snowmobile. You can do all of these things and more when the Deschutes National Forest is blanketed in snow! And how about those warm, sunny months? Whether you prefer to explore on an ATV, spin through the trees on a mountain bike, take a leisurely ride horseback or hike to the top of the highest peaks, the Deschutes National Forest has something for you. The Deschutes River, and others, offer endless opportunities for whitewater boating, while a large collection of lakes play host to canoes, paddle boards, kayaks and motorized water sports. The Deschutes National Forest is also home to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, boasting more than 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak at 7,985 feet, which showcases views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert. No trip to Newberry Volcanic National Monument is complete without a trip to the top of Lava Butte, a cinder cone home to an operating fire lookout at its peak. Regardless of the season, the Deschutes National Forest has something to offer everyone! Start planning your trip today!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/home

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Diamond Peak Wilderness - Diamond Peak was formed as the entire land mass of the Cascades was undergoing volcanic activity and uplift.

Mount Jefferson Wilderness - There are 163 miles of trail within this wilderness including a 40 mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail.

Mount Thielsen Wilderness - Much of the Mount Thielsen Wilderness is made up of high alpine forests and open meadows.

Mount Washington Wilderness - Wilderness is a rugged retreat, primarily used by hunters, hikers, and mountain climbers. There are 28 lakes in the Wilderness.

Three Sisters Wilderness - There are approximately 260 miles of trail within the wilderness. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail traverses the wilderness for 40 miles.

Invasive Species

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