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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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Deschutes National Forest Further Decreases Cedar Creek Fire Closure Boundary
Release Date: Nov 22, 2022
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Sisters Ranger District Begins Hazardous Fuels Reduction Work
Release Date: Nov 17, 2022
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Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District Firefighters Conduct Pile Burning Operations West of Bend and Sunriver
Release Date: Nov 15, 2022
Features
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.
Metolius River Large Wood Restoration Project
Large logs and woody debris are an important habitat feature for bull trout, chinook salmon, redband trout and other salmonids. Large wood can reduce streambank erosion, store gravel and create pools that are important for fish habitat. These functions enhance fish and invertebrate populations. Large wood is used as cover for all stages of trout and salmon and creates protected areas for fish to resists large floods.
The Metolius Watershed Analysis identified that the upper Metolius River was one of the few river segments that did not meet the objectives of in- stream wood and fish habitat likely from past wood removal and logging along the river. The recommendations called for restoration of large wood to restore habitat for fish (USDA Forest Service 1996 and 2004).
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.
2022 Central Oregon Firewood Permits
A firewood permit is required to cut, gather, and transport firewood. Find this year's synopsis, maps and vendor list here.
Know Before You Go
- Christmas Tree Permits
- Central Oregon Cascade Wilderness Permit System
- Boat Dock Installation
- 2022 Central Oregon Firewood Permits
- Greater West Bend Area: Trail, Road & Area Closures
- Road Status
- Travel Management & Motor Vehicle Use Maps
- Native Plant Collection
- Seasonal Dog Restrictions
- Recreational Drone Use
