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Recreation

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 296 results

10 Mile Sno-Park

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

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 trail snowmobile map…

Allen Springs Campground

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This facility has 16 sites that are nestled along the Metolius River. The circular shape of the campground means most of the campsites are better suited to tents rather than RVs. Allen Springs…

Allingham Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
Allingham Campground is located next to the Metolius River. The campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers; however, water and electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped…

Aspen Day Use Area

Site Open
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…

Beach Picnic Area

Site Open
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…

Benham Falls East Day Use & Trailhead

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Biking Water Activities
This day use area is located in a beautiful stand of old growth ponderosa pines on the edge of a riparian area. There are several picnic tables and access to the Deschutes River Trail which leaves…

Benham Falls West Day Use & Trailhead

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking
This site provides access to the Deschutes River Trail. A trail goes approximately 50 yards down to a viewing platform overlooking scenic Benham Falls. Dogs must be on leash at all trailheads…