- Avid anglers can fish in over 150 lakes, and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams.
- Mt. Bachelor and two other ski areas provide excellent downhill skiing and boarding.
- Five wilderness areas are included within the forest.
- Over 100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail extend through the forest.
Overview
Covering more than 1.6 million acres of Central Oregon is the Deschutes National Forest. This scenic area stretches along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range for nearly 100 miles. Within the Deschutes Forest you’ll find lush alpine meadows, multiple volcanoes, over 250 caves, old growth Ponderosa pines, desert areas, beautiful lakes, and six different Wild and Scenic rivers. Millions of people visit the area every year to view the incredible scenery and enjoy recreational pursuits including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and camping.
Location and Information
The border of the Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, is just outside of Bend to the west, south, and northwest.
Contact Information
Deschutes National Forest, 1001 SW Emkay Drive, Bend, OR 97702. Phone: 541-383-5300. Visit the website here.
Activities
- Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding – Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is one of the most popular destinations in Oregon for skiers and boarders, with over 3,600 lift-accessible acres. Hoodoo and Willamette Pass also offer downhill skiing and boarding.
- Cross Country Skiing – There are several different cross country ski areas throughout the Deschutes National Forest for Nordic skiers, including 5 near Mt. Bachelor as well as Three Creek Lake area further north.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking – There are literally miles of trails for both hiking and mountain biking spread throughout the forest. Over 100 miles of the famous Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the Deschutes National Forest. Horseback riders can also enjoy many of these trails as well.
- Fishing – Avid anglers can enjoy fishing for salmon, trout, and other fish at over 150 lakes and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams.
- Camping – Deschutes Forest has an abundance of developed campgrounds nestled in the beautiful towering pines and firs, as well as many areas where dispersed camping is allowed.
Fun Facts
- According to a Forest Service study conducted in 1993, nearly 350,000 acres are old growth forest.
- There are 5 different wilderness areas in the Deschutes Forest, as well as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
- The forest has over 250 known caves and twenty mountains with an elevation over 7,000 feet.
