Located just a short drive from downtown Bend, the Deschutes National Forest is a massive forest in Central Oregon that covers over 1.5 million acres of forest lands on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, with close proximity to Mt. Bachelor and its ample skiing and hiking. Within the boundaries of this natural landmark are a number of other natural landmarks, including the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, over 250 caves, various conservation and recreation areas, 5 wilderness areas, and 6 National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Learn more about the Deschutes National Forest down below.
Deschutes National Forest: a Breathtaking Natural Wonder close to Bend
The Deschutes National Forest is one of the many reasons that Bend is so well-known for its diverse range of recreation. Here, you and your guests can experience the serene wilderness of the Cascades at its finest and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting.
Explore dynamic landscapes and ecosystems throughout the forest, which has an elevation gain of over 9,000 feet from Lake Billy Chinook to the summit of South Sister. The Deschutes National Forest is a popular place for hiking and backpacking, in addition to taking a drive along one of 3 scenic byways: the Outback Scenic Byway, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. In particular, you can take the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway west from Bend all the way to Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken top, passing dozens of lakes along the way.
Mountain biking and road cycling are also immensely popular in Deschutes National Forest during the warmer parts of the year, with nearly 100 different trails devoted to the 2 activities.
Other popular forms of recreation within Deschutes National Forest include lake and pond fishing, river and stream fishing, horseback riding, hunting, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, caving, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Deschutes National Forest, you’ll encounter a wealth of natural beauty and ample opportunities for sightseeing and recreation.
Arrived Now – Your Gateway to Bend and Beyond
For more information on the Deschutes National Forest and other fun Bend, Oregon activities, call or email our office and ask about reserving your lodgings in one of our wonderful vacation rentals today!
