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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

Great American Outdoors Act

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) gave the USDA Forest Service new opportunities to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in recreation infrastructure, public lands access, and land and water conservation. These investments improve outdoor recreation and contribute to economic growth and job creation in rural America. GAOA provides permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) that will advance the Administration’s 30 x 30 conservation goals and establishes a new National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) to address the deferred maintenance backlog for the Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior in fiscal years 2021-2025.

Locally, the Deschutes National Forest is conducting a number of projects due in part to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act. Check out how these funds are helping improve access, sustainability and safety to treasured places across Central Oregon!

Learn More About the Projects

Showing: 1 - 10 of 290 results

10 Mile Sno-Park

Site Open
Winter Sports
This sno-park offers access to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation activities in and around Newberry Caldera. The lot generallly fills up on weekends during the winter. It can also be…

6 Mile Sno-Park

Site Open
Winter Sports
This sno-park offers access to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation activities. It can also be used as a base for summer hiking/biking ventures.View a winter snowmobile trail map here.

Allen Springs Campground

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Like the other campgrounds on the Metolius, Allen Springs is located amongst towering Ponderosa Pines, on a turn of the Metolius River that broadens the river view. Most of the campsites are better…

Allingham Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
Allingham Campground is located next to the Metolius River.Find a map of this campground here.

Aspen Day Use Area

Hiking Biking Water Activities
This site accesses the Deschutes River as well access to the Deschutes River Trail. There is a boat launch at this day use area, picnic tables and a restroom.Motors are prohibited on the Deschutes…

Aspen Flat

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
This oasis of lush greenery is welcome respite from the dry ponderosa pine forest surroundings. The ground below the quaking aspen foliage is blanketed with grasses and blooming wildflowers in…

Beach Picnic Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Water Activities
This site is located on the shores of Elk Lake and has stunning views of South Sister.  During the summer months it is a popular location to enjoy a sandy beach, swim and picnic.PLEASE…

Bear Valley Trailhead

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
Bear Valley Trailhead provides access to:Metolius-Windigo Trail #99Rockpile Lake Trails #4005You will enter Mt. Jefferson Wilderness shortly after leaving the trailhead. Wilderness Permits are…