About the Forest

Deschutes National Forest

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!

Camping: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins

Hiking: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/hiking

Horseback Riding: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/horseriding-camping

Fishing: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/fishing

Boating: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/wateractivities

Winter Sports: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/wintersports

Learn more by reading our 2018-2019 Annual Report here.

In 1908, the Deschutes National Forest was established from parts of the Blue Mountains, Cascade, and Fremont National Forests. In 1911, parts of the Deschutes National Forest were split off to form the Ochoco and Paulina National Forests and parts of the Cascade and Oregon National Forests were added to the Deschutes. In 1915, the lands of the Paulina National Forest were rejoined to the Deschutes National Forest. For more on the history of the Deschutes National Forest check the history section.