Recreation Region: Deschutes NF - Cascade Lakes Area

Deer Lake Trailhead

This small, primitive trailhead offers parking north of Little Cultus Lake and access to multiple trails and lakes, most notably the Deer Lake Trail (frequently used to connect to the Cultus Lake Loop).

Deer Lake Trailhead primarily provides access to:

Trail users may enter the Three Sisters Wilderness if they connect into the Metolius-Windigo Trail #99 or the Winopee Lake Trail #16. Wilderness Permits are required. See "Permit Info" below for more details.

Active Alerts

Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area

General Information

There are two types of entry permits required between June 15 and October 15 for entering the Three Sisters Wilderness from this trailhead.

Overnight Use
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permit between June 15 and October 15.
Day Use
- Free, self-issue Wilderness Permit (available at the trailhead) between June 15 and October 15.

Check out Recreation.gov for more information or call 1-877-444-6777.

If entering the Three Sisters Wilderness:

Wilderness restrictions apply
Maps of areas where special restrictions apply:
Stock users must use weed-free feed; click here for more information.
Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the wilderness.
Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock.
Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water.
Pack in / Pack out!
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints”—please refrain from cutting, damaging or gathering vegetation or other forest items, i.e. rocks, etc.
Please bury human waste 6-8” deep and at least 200’ away from water.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 43.804671

Longitude: -121.86765

Directions

From Bend, OR: Travel 46.0 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), then 0.8 miles west on Forest Road 4635, then 1.7 miles southwest on Forest Road 4630, then 0.7 miles southwest on Forest Road 4636, and then less than a mile northwest on Forest Road 4636-640.