Deschutes National Forest Guide
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The Pacific Northwest is known for coffee, rain, and Bigfoot. You're sure to find the first two and maybe glimpse the third in the Deschutes National Forest. Located in central Oregon just outside of Bend, Deschutes National Forest hosts hundreds of day hiking trails. Many of these trails hook up with other trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, creating an almost limitless variety of routes. Horseback riding and mountain biking are allowed on many of these trails. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the area offers numerous lakes as well as lava tubes and other volcanic formations.
Camping in Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest covers 1.6 million acres, and an RV is a great way to cover ground. This forest has more than 80 campgrounds that are divided into six regions, so with an RV, you can travel the area and experience each section's unique views and vibes. RVshare makes renting an RV easy and fun.
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Boundary Springs Campground
If you need to get away from it all, this might be the campground for you. Boundary Springs Campground is in the Crescent Area and is surrounded by lodgepole and ponderosa pine. Usage for this campground is light, and there is no fee for camping. They don't do reservations, and you can almost always find a spot. The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet. One caveat: This campground does not have hookups. It features vault toilets, and there is no potable water. This site is used mainly by hunters and ATV enthusiasts.
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North Davis Creek Campground
North Davis Creek Campground in the Cascades Lakes Area has 14 sites. It can accommodate RVs up to 26 feet. Usage is light, and the spots are secluded, so it's a great getaway for smaller RVs. The site has a boat ramp for access to Wickiup Reservoir. Unfortunately, the boat ramp is not available in the fall as water levels are too low. The rate is only $14 per night.
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Tumalo State Park Campground
If you're interested in hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming, check out Tumalo State Park Campground, situated in Tumalo State Park. This year-round campground features hot showers, picnic tables, and a playground. They have 23 full hookup sites to accommodate RVs up to 56 feet. Rates start around $33 per night, and they offer a reduced weekly rate. You can also buy firewood on site. You can reserve a spot up to six months in advance.
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Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort
For those who like a lot of amenities, the Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort might be your kind of place. They have earned a 5-Star Good Sam rating and are on our list of Top 10 campgrounds in Bend. Fully paved sites have full hookups, and they offer pull-through sites that accommodate rigs up to 80 feet. Winter rates start at $44 per night, and summer rates start at $66 per night. The long list of amenities includes a laundry room, luxury bathhouses, a convenience store, and a propane station. You'll enjoy basic cable, basic Wi-Fi, and a seasonal pool. The sites are landscaped, and dog run areas let the four-legged friends get their energy out.
RV Rentals Near Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest Hiking Trails
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Deschutes River Trail
This series of trails goes through pine forests, lava flows, and riparian zones. Some areas of the Deschutes River are mild, and others are tumultuous. This is one of the more popular hikes. Dogs are allowed but must remain on the leash. You can access this trail via several trailheads. Parking does require a recreation pass.
Length: Easy
Intensity: 11.1 miles
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Island Meadow Trail
This lightly traveled trail offers plenty of shade for summer hikes. In spring, the wildflowers are abundant. The trail gains a modest 100 feet in elevation. It does pass through the Three Sisters Wilderness, so you will need a wilderness area permit.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
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Tumalo Mountain Trail
A plus for this hike is that it is only available to hikers, so you won't be crowded off the trail by mountain bikes or horses. It starts at 6,200 feet elevation and gains 1,500 feet. For wildlife, don't be surprised if you see mountain goats. Seasonally, the area explodes with wildflowers.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
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North Matthieu Lake Trail
This trail only gains 280 feet in elevation. It passes by scenic Matthieu Lake. Seasonally, expect to see wildflowers. It can get a little dusty during dry months. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Mirror Lakes Trail
This trail passes through the Three Sisters Wilderness, so you will need a wilderness area permit. You'll pass by small streams, lakes, and lava features. What you're unlikely to pass is people as this is a lightly used trail.
Length: 3.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Black Butte Trail
The trail starts at an elevation of 4,800 feet and gains 1,640 feet. The trail passes through Ponderosa pines and then a mixed conifer forest. The upper portion has subalpine vegetation. The views during the second mile of this hike are stunning, making the steep climb worth the effort.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Crater Rim Trail
This trail is not for the faint of heart. It winds through the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. You'll come across forest, desert, and mountains. The elevation ranges between 6,330 and 7,600 feet.
Length: 21 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Activities in Deschutes National Forest
Within the Deschutes National Forest lie five different wilderness areas. Each area has its own unique landscapes and activities. You can also drive one of the three scenic byways. Each season offers outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Much of the area is covered in dense forest. In addition to mixed conifer areas, you'll find areas where a single tree species is dominant, such as mountain hemlock and subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, or western juniper. Large bat communities live in the caves. Birdwatching is a popular activity here. Deer and elk, which are plentiful, migrate to different areas seasonally.
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Exploration
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is home to the highest peak in Deschutes National Forest, Paulina Peak, which reaches 7,985 feet. With more than 54,000 acres in this national monument, you can explore lakes, lava flows, and other remarkable geological formations. The volcano is still active with seismic and geothermal activity. Be sure to visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center and the Lava River Cave Interpretive Site.
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Fossil Collecting
Rockhounds are drawn to the Deschutes National Forest. Fossil collecting is allowed within a national forest with some restrictions.
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Geocaching
The forest is also popular for geocaching. Just remember that protected wilderness areas have a policy of "leave only footprints." Please be careful of where you are if you are placing a geocache.
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Horseback Riding
Besides biking and hiking, this national forest is open to horseback riding and has numerous horse camps and trails.
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Water Activities
For water activities, depending on the lake, you can enjoy fishing, boating, waterskiing, swimming, and windsurfing.
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Hunting
Hunting is allowed seasonally in some areas.
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Stargazing
The Oregon Observatory is located within Deschutes National Forest. They have one of the largest collections of public viewing telescopes. They have a whole host of activities, including star parties and private family experiences.
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Winter Sports
Deschutes National Forest also offers plenty of winter recreation. Mt. Bachelor offers skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. In other areas, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, and enjoy snowmobiling.
How to get to Deschutes National Forest
Address: 63095 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $5.0
With over a million acres, Deschutes National Forest offers plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Whether fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, or just lazing around the lake, an RV lets you stay and indulge as long as you like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deschutes National Forest
How many hiking trails does Deschutes National Forest have?
The Deschutes National Forest has hundreds of hiking trails. Some of the trails link to other trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, so there are endless options for hiking in the forest. Regardless of your hiking level, you're sure to find a trail in the forest that suits you.
Is Deschutes National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Deschutes National Forest is open year-round. The forest has been known to close in the past for wildfires. Also, in winter some areas may not be accessible because of heavy snow. Some amenities like running water may also not be available in certain areas in winter due to freezing pipes.
What type of wildlife lives in Deschutes National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Deschutes National Forest includes antelope, deer, elk, black bears, minks, otters, and beavers. There are more than 100 species of birds living in the forest, plus a variety of fish living in the forest lakes and streams.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Deschutes National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in the Deschutes National Forest. There are many mountain lakes and rivers that are great for paddling, and several outfitters in the area lead rafting trips for a fun adventure.
What is the closest town to Deschutes National Forest?
Bend, Oregon is one of the closest towns to Deschutes National Forest, and is where the forest headquarters are located. You'll find plenty of spots to eat, camp, sleep, and shop in Bend. It's also a quaint mountain town that is a pleasant place to spend a few days on your trip.
