Recreation

Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascades in Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest offers year-round recreation opportunities. Home to more than 1.6 million acres, the Forest spans a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. The Forest gains more than 9,000 feet in eleveation from its lowest point at Lake Billy Chinook (1,950 ft) to its highest atop South Sister's summit (10.358 ft).

With more than 80 campgrounds across the Deschutes National Forest, visitors enjoy campsites featuring a wide-variety of picturesque backdrops. Camping opportunities range from rustic, walk-in sites to sites accomodating full-size RV's and trailers.

Five wilderness areas fall within the Deschutes National Forest boundary--Diamond Peak Wilderness, Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, Mt. Washington Wilderness and Three Sisters Wilderness. Each wilderness offers visitors a unique experience; from sweeping summit views to alpine lakes, these areas provide the perfeect backdrop for a day hike or backpacking trip.

Three scenic byways wind through the Forest--Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway and the Outback Scenic Byway. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway heads west out of Bend, winds up past Mt. Bachelor before depositing visitors at the base of South Sister and Broken Top, as well as prodviding access to dozens of lakes. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway leaves Sisters, before climbing two passes and carveing through 82 miles of wide-open lava fields interspersed among desnse forest canopy. The Outback Scenic Byway stretches through the southeastern portion of Central Oregon, covering 171 miles of geologic wonder.

Deschutes National Forest Interactive Visitor Map

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name	Status	Area Conditions
Allen Springs Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Allingham Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Big Cove Boat In Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Big River Campground/Big River Group		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Blue Bay Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Bull Bend Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Camp Sherman Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Candle Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
China Hat Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Cinder Hill Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Cold Springs Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Contorta Flat Campground
Contorta Point Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Cow Meadow Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Crane Prairie Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Crescent Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Crescent Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Crescent Lake Guard Station		undefined
Cultus Corral Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Cultus Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Devils Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Driftwood Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
East Davis Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
East Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Elk Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Elk Lake Guard Station
Fall River Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Fall River Guard Station
Gorge Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Graham Corral Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Gull Point Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Indian Ford Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Jack Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Lava Camp Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted. New for 2020, trails in Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas will require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for overnight use and some will require one for day-use. Learn more.
Lava Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Link Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted. Link Creek Yurts open year-round.
Little Cove Boat-In Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Little Crater Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
Little Cultus Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
Little Fawn Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Little Fawn Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Little Lava Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Lower Bridge Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Lower Canyon Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Mallard Marsh Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
McKay Crossing Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Monty Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Newberry Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
North Davis Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
North Twin Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Ogden Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Paulina Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Perry South Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Pine Mountain Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Pine Rest Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Pioneer Ford Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Point Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
Prairie Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Princess Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Pringle Falls Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
Quinn River Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.
Reservoir Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Riverside Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Rock Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Scout Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Sheep Bridge Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Sheep Springs Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Simax Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Sisters Cow Camp Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Smiling River Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Soda Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
South Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
South Shore Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
South Twin Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Spring Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Sunset Cove Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Swamp Wells Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Three Creek Lake Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Three Creek Meadow Campground & Horsecamp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Trapper Creek Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
West South Twin Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Whispering Pine Horse Camp		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Whitefish Horse Camp
Windy Group Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.
Wyeth Campground		To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, effective March 25, 2020, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds will be closed until such measures are lifted.

Spotlights

Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Click on the picture above to view the web application and come visit our Volcanic Wonders…Yours To Discover!

In November of 1990, Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created within the boundaries of Deschutes National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. Newberry National Volcanic National Monument includes 54,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert.

 Although commonly referred to as Newberry Crater, the "crater" is in fact a caldera formed when the overlying rocks collapse when a magma chamber is emptied. The caldera stretches across 17 square miles in the heart of the volcano. The 1,200 square mile volcano (about the size of Rhode Island) remains very active to this day. Newberry is both seismically and geothermally active. Geologists believe the caldera sits over a shallow magma body only 2 to 5 kilometers deep. Visitors see numerous cinder cones and vents (over 400 throughout the area), miles of basalt flows, as well as rhyolite flows of obsidian.

For up-to-date facts on Newberry Volcano, click here.

Read the latest version of Volcanic Vistas.

Enjoy this video highlighting the accessibility of Lava Lands Visitor Center!

Cascade Lakes Welcome Station

Located just past mile post seven on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station serves as a gateway to some of the most popular trails, lakes and recreation areas on the Deschutes National Forest. The Welcome Station also offers parking and access to Phil’s and Wanoga mountain biking trails systems.

The Cascade Lakes Welcome Station provides visitors an opportunity to buy recreation passes, local maps, guidebooks and other educational materials. In addition to offering one-day recreation passes and the annual Northwest Forest Pass (good for all National Forests in Oregon and Washington), the Welcome Station also offers a number of interagency pass options.

Staffed with both Forest Service rangers and employees from Discover Your Forest, the Deschutes National Forest’s non-profit partner, the Welcome Station gives visitors the opportunity to ask questions, while learning about trail conditions and closures.

Visitors can plan their trips using a new, interactive touch screen map. They can learn more about our local wilderness areas and what they can do to help protect them while exploring the region on a giant floor map. Additional interpretive exhibits are planned and will be implemented in the coming seasons.