Deschutes National Forest, United States

Deschutes National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Deschutes County in Oregon, Deschutes National Forest is a true haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This vast national monument spans over 1.8 million acres, showcasing the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Deschutes National Forest offers a diverse range of landscapes, from towering snow-capped peaks to lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the countless trails that wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and even black bears. The popular Deschutes River Trail follows the meandering path of the Deschutes River, providing tranquil spots for picnicking and fishing.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the forest offers a myriad of recreational activities. Thrill-seekers can embark on exhilarating mountain biking trails, tackling the challenging terrain and soaking in the panoramic vistas. The forest is also renowned for its world-class fly fishing, with an abundance of pristine rivers and lakes teeming with trout and salmon.

In the winter months, Deschutes National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland. With over 2,000 miles of groomed trails, it is a paradise for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The majestic snow-covered landscapes create a serene and magical atmosphere, perfect for a cozy winter getaway.

Camping enthusiasts will find an array of campgrounds throughout the forest, offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. Whether pitching a tent or parking an RV, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the forest and the starry night skies.

Deschutes National Forest is not only a natural playground but also a place of cultural significance. The forest is home to numerous historic sites, including the iconic Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity. Exploring this underground marvel is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Alternative names: Area: 2495.15 mi²Visitors per year: 3.16 mil.Elevation: 5102 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°0'0"N, 121°30'0"W

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OregonUnited States

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Deschutes National Forest Top Attractions

Deschutes National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Deschutes National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sparks Lake, Black Butte, Dee Wright Observatory, Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Lake • Body of water
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is a natural body of water near the crest of the central Cascade Range in Deschutes County in the U.S. state of Oregon. The lake is about 26 miles west-southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in Deschutes National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • View point
Black Butte
Black Butte is an extinct stratovolcano in the U.S. state of Oregon. Located in Jefferson County, it is part of Deschutes National Forest. Black Butte forms part of the Cascade volcanic arc. The butte lies just south of the Metolius Springs, which merge to form the headwaters of the Metolius River.
Observatories and planetariums • Museum • Park
Dee Wright Observatory
Dee Wright Observatory is an observation structure at the summit of McKenzie Pass in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The structure is an open shelter constructed with lava stone.

Locality
Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site
Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site is a state park along the south shore of Blue Lake Crater in Jefferson County, Oregon, United States. The park is named in honor of Elliott R. Corbett II, who was killed while serving in the United States Army during World War II.
Park
Metolius Springs
Metolius Springs are located just north of Black Butte near the small unincorporated town of Camp Sherman in central Oregon, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Hosmer Lake
Hosmer Lake is a natural body of water in the central Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Oregon. Nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, the lake is part of a volcanic landscape about 20 miles west-southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Little Lava Lake
Little Lava Lake lies in the Cascade Range about 26 miles west-southwest of Bend in the U.S. state of Oregon. A close neighbor of Lava Lake, from which it is separated by solidified lava, Little Lava Lake is at an elevation of 4,744 feet in the Deschutes National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a natural body of water in the central Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Oregon. Nearly 4,900 feet above sea level, the lake is part of a volcanic landscape about 25 miles west-southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Lava Island Falls
Lava Island Falls are rapids on the Deschutes River. Rated a Class 5, they are difficult to navigate because of an island of lava from Lava Butte that blocked part of the river.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Suttle Lake
Suttle Lake is a natural lake near the crest of the Cascade Range in central Oregon, United States, covering 253 acres. It was named in honor of John Settle, whose name was misspelled when the lake was officially recorded as a geographic feature.
Observatories and planetariums
Pine Mountain Observatory
Pine Mountain Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by University of Oregon Department of Physics. The facility is located 26 miles southeast of Bend, Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest near the summit of Pine Mountain.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake is a natural lake in Deschutes County in the U.S. state of Oregon. Formed by a glacier, it is located in the high Cascade Range in the Deschutes National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lava Lake
Lava Lake lies in the Cascade Range about 25 miles west-southwest of Bend in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is a close neighbor of Little Lava Lake, from which it is separated by solidified lava.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Skeleton Cave
Skeleton Cave is a lava tube within Deschutes County, Oregon, of the United States. The cave is within Deschutes National Forest and is located on the northern flank of Newberry Volcano near the city of Bend.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Rosary Lakes
The Rosary Lakes are a group of three lakes in Klamath County, Oregon, in the United States. All three lakes are within the Deschutes National Forest. The lake group consists of Lower Rosary Lake, Middle Rosary Lake, and North Rosary Lake. The lakes were named from the fact their outlines together resemble the Rosary.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Odell Lake
Odell Lake is located near Willamette Pass in the northwest corner of Klamath County, Oregon, United States. It is one of several lakes in the Cascade Range in Central Oregon, and lies within the Deschutes National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is a natural lake on the eastern side of the Cascade Range in the northwest corner of Klamath County, Oregon, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Maiden Peak
Maiden Peak is a steep-sided shield volcano in the Cascade Range of central Oregon. It is the highest point in the 43-mile distance between Mount Bachelor and Diamond Peak.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Wickiup Reservoir
Wickiup Reservoir is the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located 60 miles southwest of Bend, and is the largest of the Cascade Lakes.

Day trips

Deschutes National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Deschutes National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Old Mill District (Bend), High Desert Museum (Bend), Three Sisters (Sisters State Park).

9.7 miE
Shopping district, Shopping, Neighbourhood
Old Mill District, Bend
Nestled in the heart of Bend, Oregon, the Old Mill District stands as a premier shopping destination that harmoniously blends the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a vibrant selection of retail outlets. Once a bustling hub of lumber mills along the Deschutes...
8.2 miE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
High Desert Museum, Bend
The High Desert Museum is a cultural gem nestled in the scenic city of Bend, Oregon. This unique institution is dedicated to the rich history, art, and wildlife of the North American high desert region. With an extensive array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum...
15 milesNW
Natural attraction, Volcano
Three Sisters, Sisters State Park
Nestled within the breathtaking panorama of Oregon's Cascade Range, the Three Sisters stand as a majestic trio of volcanic peaks, each exceeding 10,000 feet in elevation. This natural spectacle is one of the highlights of the Sisters State Park and a must-see...
9.7 miSE
Natural attraction, Cave, Park
Lava River Cave, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon, is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is managed by the United States Forest Service. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
41 milesSW
Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
Salt Creek Falls, Andrews Forest
Salt Creek Falls is a cascade and plunge waterfall on Salt Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork Willamette River, that plunges into a gaping canyon near Willamette Pass in the Willamette National Forest, near Oakridge, Oregon.