Deschutes National Forest
 

Recreation

Todd Lake - Deschutes National ForestLocated 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 perfect 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 Interactive Recreation Map

 

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Allen Springs Campground Open to Visitor
Allingham Campground Open to Visitor
Arlies Rock/North Gateway Information Viewpoint Open to Visitor
Aspen Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Beach Picnic Area Closed to Visitor
Bear Valley Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Benham Falls West Day Use / Trailhead Open to Visitor
Bessie Butte Trail Open to Visitor
Besson Picnic Area Open to Visitor
Big Cove Boat-In Campground Open to Visitor
Big Eddy Trailhead Open to Visitor
Big River Boating Site Open to Visitor
Big River Campground/Big River Group Open to Visitor
Black Butte Trailhead Open to Visitor
Black Crater Trailhead Open to Visitor
Blue Bay Boating Site Open to Visitor
Blue Bay Campground Open to Visitor
Boundary Springs Campground Closed to Visitor
Broken Top Trail    June 2021 update: Forest Service Road 370 traditionally opens around the last week of July or first week of August weather/road conditions permitting. Access to this trailhead by motor-vehicle will not be possible until that time. Pedestrian/bicycle travel is allowed on the road before the gates open.
Broken Top Trailhead    June 2021 update: Forest Service Road 370 traditionally opens around the last week of July or first week of August weather/road conditions permitting. Access to this trailhead by motor-vehicle will not be possible until that time. Pedestrian/bicycle travel is allowed on the road before the gates open.
Bull Bend Boating Site Open to Visitor
Bull Bend Campground Open to Visitor
Buttes Loop Trailhead Open to Visitor
Camp II OHV Staging Area Open to Visitor
Camp Sherman Campground Open to Visitor
Candle Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Chief Paulina Horse Camp Open to Visitor
China Hat Campground Open to Visitor
Cinder Hill Campground Open to Visitor
Cold Springs Campground Open to Visitor
Contorta Flat Campground Open to Visitor
Contorta Point Group Campground Open to Visitor
Corral Swamp Trailhead   
Cow Meadow Campground Open to Visitor
Crane Prairie Boating Site Open to Visitor
Crane Prairie Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Crane Prairie Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Crater Butte Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Crater Ditch Trailhead    June 2021 update: Forest Service Road 370 traditionally opens around the last week of July or first week of August weather/road conditions permitting. Access to this trailhead by motor-vehicle will not be possible until that time. Pedestrian/bicycle travel is allowed on the road before the gates open.
Crescent Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Crescent Lake Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Crescent Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Crescent Lake Guard Station Closed to Visitor
Crescent Lake Sno-Park Open to Visitor
Crescent Ranger District Office Closed to Visitor
Cultus Corral Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Cultus Lake Boating Site Closed to Visitor
Cultus Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Cultus Lake Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Deer Lake Trailhead   
Devils Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead   
Dillon Falls Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Driftwood Campground Open to Visitor
Dutchman Sno-Park/Trailhead Open to Visitor
East Davis Lake Campground Open to Visitor
East Fort Rock OHV Trail System Open to Visitor
East Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Edison Butte OHV Trail System Open to Visitor
Edison Butte Sno-Park/Staging Area/Trailhead Open to Visitor
Elk Lake Boating Site   
Elk Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Elk Lake Guard Station Closed to Visitor
Elk Lake Trailhead   
Fall River Campground Open to Visitor
Fall River Guard Station Closed to Visitor Reservation Only
Gorge Campground Open to Visitor
Graham Corral Horse Camp Open to Visitor We are currently experiencing a loss of water at this site. The Forest Service is exploring alternative solutions for delivering water during the 2021 camping season, but please note that there may not be available stock water during your stay. This is an evolving situation.  
Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead   
Gull Point Boating Site Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Gull Point Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Horse Butte Trailhead Open to Visitor
Hosmer Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor
Indian Ford Campground Open to Visitor
Irish-Taylor Trailhead   
Jack Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Jefferson Lake Trail   
Junction Sno-Park Open to Visitor
Kapka Sno-Park Open to Visitor '
Lava Camp Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site Open to Visitor
Lava Island Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Lava Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor UPDATE 6/21/2021: Lava Lake currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Lava Lake Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 6/21/2021: Lava Lake currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Lava Lands Visitor Center Open to Visitor
Lava River Cave Interpretive Site Open to Visitor
Lemish Lake Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Link Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Little Cove Boat-In Campground Open to Visitor
Little Crater Boating Site Open to Visitor
Little Crater Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Paulina Lake has a *POSSIBLE* algae bloom.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Little Crater Day Use Site Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Paulina Lake has a *POSSIBLE* algae bloom.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Little Cultus Boating Site Closed to Visitor
Little Cultus Campground Open to Visitor
Little Cultus Lake   
Little Fawn Boating Site Closed to Visitor
Little Fawn Campground Open to Visitor
Little Fawn Group Campground Open to Visitor
Little Lava Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Lava Lake currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Little Lava Lake Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Lava Lake currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Lower Bridge Campground Open to Visitor
Lower Canyon Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Lucky Lake Trailhead   
Mallard Marsh Campground Open to Visitor
Many Lakes Trailhead   
McKay Crossing Campground Open to Visitor
Meadow Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Meek Lake Trail   
Meissner Sno-Park/Trailhead Open to Visitor
Monty Campground Open to Visitor
Newberry Group Campground Closed to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Paulina Lake has a *POSSIBLE* algae bloom.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
North Davis Boating Site    2021 Season: North Davis Creek Campground is closed due to hazard tree mitigation.

UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
North Davis Creek Campground Closed to Visitor 2021: Currently closed for hazard tree mitigation. UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
North Twin Boating Site Open to Visitor
North Twin Lake Campground Open to Visitor
North Wickiup Boating Site Open to Visitor 2021 Season - Please be prepared for lower than average water levels at Wickiup Reservoir. UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Odd Fellows Cabins Closed to Visitor
Odell Lake   
Ogden Group Campground Open to Visitor
Osprey Point Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - Cowhorn   
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - Diamond Peak   
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - Three Sister   
Paulina Falls Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Paulina Falls Trail Open to Visitor
Paulina Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor
Paulina Lake Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Paulina Lake has a *POSSIBLE* algae bloom.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Paulina Lake Day Use Area Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Paulina Lake has a *POSSIBLE* algae bloom.
Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Paulina Lake Lodge   
Paulina Peak Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Perry South Campground Open to Visitor
Peter Skene Ogden Trailhead Open to Visitor
Phil's Trailhead Open to Visitor 2021 update: Several trails in the area will be CLOSED for visitor safety while contractors conduct thinning operations. Lower Whoops, Pine Drops, EXT, Storm King from the junction with Forest Road 4615 and the junction with Phil’s Trail, and the western-most portion of Phil’s between the junction with EXT (near Forest Road 300) and it’s western terminus at the junction with Pine Drops will be closed from Monday at 12am until Friday at 3pm. Outside these hours, the trails will all be open. Forest Service Roads (FSR) 4610, 4601-300 and 4601-310 are temporarily closed seven days a week. The Forest Service has established a detour for bike riders through FSR 4610-290 to connect Ben’s Trail and Phil’s trail.
Pine Mountain Campground Open to Visitor
Pine Rest Campground Open to Visitor
Pioneer Ford Campground Open to Visitor
Point Campground Open to Visitor
Prairie Campground Open to Visitor
Princess Creek Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Princess Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Pringle Falls Campground Open to Visitor
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Quinn River Boating Site Open to Visitor 2021 Update: Please note that the nearby Quinn River Campground is closed for the 2021 season due to significant hazard tree mitigation needs. The Forest Service has identified trees showing signs of future failure. In order to provide for public safety, this facility will remain closed until the hazards have been mitigated.
Quinn River Campground Closed to Visitor CLOSED This campground is closed for the 2021 season due to significant hazard tree mitigation needs. The Forest Service has identified trees showing signs of future failure. In order to provide for public safety, this facility will remain closed until the hazards have been mitigated.
Ray Atkeson Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Reservoir Campground Closed to Visitor CLOSED: This campground is closed for the 2021 season due to significant hazard tree mitigation needs. The Forest Service has identified trees showing signs of future failure. In order to provide for public safety, this facility will remain closed until the hazards have been mitigated.

UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Rim Butte OHV Trail System Open to Visitor
Riverside Campground Open to Visitor
Road 25 OHV Staging Area Open to Visitor
Road 2510 OHV Staging Area Open to Visitor
Rock Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Rosary Lakes Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Scout Lake Campground Open to Visitor 5/28/2021 - Scout Lake Group Camp is currently open Friday and Saturday nights only through mid-June to allow for vegetation management work being conducted in the area.
Sheep Bridge Campground Closed to Visitor CLOSED This campground is closed for the 2021 season due to significant hazard tree mitigation needs. The Forest Service has identified trees showing signs of future failure. In order to provide for public safety, this facility will remain closed until the hazards have been mitigated.

UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Sheep Springs Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Simax Beach Picnic Area Closed to Visitor
Simax Group Campground Open to Visitor
Sisters Cow Camp Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Sisters Mirror Trailhead   
Six Lakes Trailhead   
Skyliners Sno-Park/Trailhead Open to Visitor
Slough Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Smiling River Campground Open to Visitor
Soda Creek Campground Open to Visitor
South Campground Open to Visitor
South Lava OHV Staging Area Open to Visitor
South Shore Campground Open to Visitor
South Twin Day Use Area Open to Visitor
South Twin Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Sparks Lake Boating Site Open to Visitor
Sparks Lake Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Sparks Lake Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Spring Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Spring Campground Open to Visitor
Sun-Lava Paved Path Open to Visitor
Sunset Cove Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Sunset Cove Campground Open to Visitor
Sunset View Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Swamp Wells Horse Camp Closed to Visitor
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park/Trailhead Open to Visitor
Tandy Bay Picnic Area Closed to Visitor
Tenino Boating Site Open to Visitor
Tetherow Boat Launch Closed to Visitor
Three Creek Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Three Creek Meadow Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Todd Creek Horse Camp Closed to Visitor
Todd Creek Trailhead Closed to Visitor
Todd Lake Campground    Wilderness permits are not required to access/use Todd Lake.

However, recreators who use the nearby Todd Lake Trail are required to acquire a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit in advance for both day use and for overnight use. See "Permit Info" below for more details.
Todd Lake Day Use Area/Trailhead Open to Visitor Wilderness permits are not necessarily required to access/use Todd Lake. However, the permits are required to hike the nearby Todd Lake Trail. For more details, see "Permit Info" below.
Trapper Creek Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Trapper Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Tumalo Falls Day Use Area Open to Visitor
  • Stock, dogs, bikes and camping are all prohibited inside the Bend Municipal Watershed.
  • Due to very limited parking and high use, there is a 27 foot vehicle length limit at Tumalo Falls Trailhead. Even then, the parking area fills early and can often remain at overflow capacity on busy days.
  • Please pay close attention to "NO PARKING" signs on one side of the entrance road. These sections of roadway must remain open to avoid traffic hazards and permit larger emergency vehicle access.
Vista Butte Sno-Park Open to Visitor
Wake Butte Trailhead Open to Visitor
Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park Open to Visitor
West Cultus Boat-In Campground Open to Visitor
West South Twin Boating Site    UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
West South Twin Campground Open to Visitor UPDATE 7/3/21: Wickiup Reservoir currently has an algae bloom. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! For more information, check the Oregon Health Authority website on Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms.
Whispering Pine Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Whitefish Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Trailhead Open to Visitor
Wickiup Plains Trailhead   
Windy Group Campground Open to Visitor
Winopee Trailhead   
Wyeth Boating Site Open to Visitor
Wyeth Campground Open to Visitor

Spotlights

Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Aerial view of Newberry Caldera 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.

Aerial view of Lava Butte. 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

Front of the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station Building

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.

 

 

Alerts & Warnings

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Highlights
Graphic: Wilderness 50th Anniversary

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Download Our New Official Recreation App! Link opens in a new window


Mill Creek Wilderness

Ochoco NF & Crooked River NG Recreation Info Link opens in a new window

 


https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/deschutes/recreation