The Deschutes, in central Oregon, was named for the river that runs through it. French Canadian fur trappers called the river "Riviere des Chutes," meaning River of Many Falls; the name was later shortened to Deschutes. Read More »
Deschutes National Forest Highlights
- Abundant and diverse camping opportunities wait in the 1.8-million acres of Deschutes National Forest, which includes 200,000 acres of wilderness, six rivers, 157 lakes and reservoirs, and 1,400 miles of trail.
- The Cascades Lake National Scenic Byway (Oregon State Highway 46) follows an 87-mile route traveled by early Northwest explorers including John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. Another car cruise to consider is Highway 97, which skirts the Newberry Crater, the largest ice-age volcano in Oregon. Ogle at a beguiling lava flow of obsidian that resembles black glass.
- The Crater Rim Horse Trail meanders into the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which sits at the heart of the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. The trail traverses rugged desert, mountain terrain, and edges along the rim of volcanic craters. Other trails that can be accessed within the monument include Lost Lake Trail and Paulina Lakeshore Trail.
- East of the summit of the Cascade Range in Northern Klamath County, the brilliant blue-green Crescent Lake is a popular recreation lake lined with sandy beaches and set in the woods. Use a boat to fish for kokanee and trout.
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Deschutes National Forest Travel Q&A
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What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
What You Can Do in Deschutes National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking and Backpacking
- Horseback Riding
- Nature
- Paddling
- Scenic Drives
- Snow Sports
Articles & Advice on Deschutes National Forest
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- Top Ten Mountain Bike Meccas (Beyond Moab)
- Bend, Oregon
- Deschutes National Forest
- Around the Forest
- Regional Guide
- Scenic Driving - Southern Oregon Cascades and the Southern Coast
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
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Parks Near Deschutes National Forest
- Cascade Lakes Highway, OR (5.6 mi.)
- Bridge Creek Wilderness, OR (10 mi.)
- Deschutes River, OR (14 mi.)
GEARZILLA: The Gorp Gear Blog
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