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Deschutes National Forest
Welcome to the Deschutes National Forest
The Deschutes National Forest encompasses nearly 1.6 million acres, offering year-around recreation opportunities.
Plan Your Next Visit
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Recreation
The Deschutes National Forest offers year-round recreation opportunities. Start planning your next adventure today!
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Recreation Passes
Some recreation sites require a day use fee. Find out where fees are charged and which passes may be used to cover these fees.
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Trails Report
Know Before You Go - check out our trails report for updates and conditions on non-motorized and motorized trails across the forest.
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Maps & Publications
We offer a variety of maps! You can digitally download some for free while others can be purchased through online vendors.
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Wildfire Crisis Strategy: Central Oregon
Central Oregon was chosen as one of 10 initial landscapes selected to receive $131 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) investment to begin implementation of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy in 2022.
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Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets
Starting August 1, 2022, Lava River Cave is implementing a Timed Reservation Tickets System to provide visitors with the ability to plan ahead by securing their timeslot for parking at Lava River Cave ahead of arrival. (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Central Cascades Wilderness Permits
The Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas are home to iconic mountain peaks, high alpine meadows and lakes, and old growth forests. In an effort to preserve the natural beauty and wilderness experience for you and future visitors and to better manage recreation-related impacts, these areas are managed with use limits, or quotas, to ensure the protection of these landscapes now and into the future.
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Central Oregon Fire Information
Visit Central Oregon Fire Info for information on prescribed fire, wildfire and smoke on the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests, the Prineville BLM and the Oregon Department of Forestry. Text "COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive Deschutes County text alerts.
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Discover Your Forest
Our non-profit partner Discover Your Forest enhances visitors' experiences while supporting the next generation of public land stewards.
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Children's Forest
The Children’s Forest seeks to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside.
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Recent News
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Winter Wildlife Range Closures Go into Effect This Week
Release Date: Nov 29, 2022
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Deschutes National Forest Further Decreases Cedar Creek Fire Closure Boundary
Release Date: Nov 22, 2022
Features
Winter Range Closures
Winter range closures are in effect December 1 through March 31. Winter range is habitat deer and elk migrate to in order to find more favorable living conditions during the winter. Winter range is found predominantly in lower elevations of central Oregon and is extremely important to mule deer survival. Winter ranges usually have minimal amounts of snow cover and provide vegetation for forage, hiding cover, and protection from the weather. In Oregon, mule deer migrate, often long distances, to lower elevations to escape or minimize exposure to snow cover.
Expending energy or stopping feeding activities to avoid humans causes deer to use energy reserves that might be needed to get them through the harshness of winter. Animals respond better to disturbances that are predictable, so please respect winter closures on trails and roads.
Greater West Bend Area: Trail, Road & Area Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Historically in Central Oregon small wildfires or insect infestations occurred creating a forested of different aged trees, underbrush, and openings, which allowed a diversity of wildlife and plants to flourish and kept forests resilient to large scale disturbances. The goal of this work is to restore a more resilient and healthy forest.
Spotlights
What is Prescribed Fire?
Prescribed fire can be used to reduce hazardous fuels while improving forest and rangeland health and protecting the quality of our watersheds and wildlife habitat.
Want to Dig Deeper Into Climate Change?
Learn more about South Central Oregon Adaptation Partnership (SCOAP)'s climate change vulnerability and adaptation studies.
Accessible Adventures on the Deschutes National Forest
Learn more about accessible recreation sites on the Deschutes National Forest.
Hunting on the Deschutes
Planning a hunting trip on the Deschutes National Forest?
Know Before You Go by clicking on this information!
