Things to Do in Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes National Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Mountain biking, Touring cycling, Jogging, Road cycling, and Gravel biking. The forest features diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels and interests. More than 700 routes are available for exploration.

Popular hiking trails include the Green Lakes Hike, a 9.1-mile (14.6 km) journey with 1,100 feet (335 m) of elevation gain, and the Tumalo Mountain Trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) out-and-back hike. For an easier option, the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) loop along Sparks Lake. Find more options in the Hiking in Deschutes National Forest guide.

Yes, Deschutes National Forest offers several easy hiking trails. The Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is a scenic 2.3-mile (3.7 km) loop along Sparks Lake. Many other accessible routes are available for those seeking less strenuous options. Consult the Easy hikes in Deschutes National Forest guide for more details.

Mountain biking opportunities are abundant in Deschutes National Forest. Routes like the 16.6-mile (26.7 km) Benham Falls via Lava-Benham Trail loop offer river views and volcanic scenery. The forest provides trails for various skill levels, from easy to challenging. Explore more in the MTB Trails in Deschutes National Forest guide.

Deschutes National Forest features numerous cycling routes, including the 30.2-mile (48.6 km) McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway and the 65.2-mile (105 km) Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway Loop. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway also provides a picturesque setting for touring. More routes are detailed in the Cycling in Deschutes National Forest guide.

The forest is characterized by volcanic features, including the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Lava River Cave, and Lava Butte. It also contains 215 lakes and reservoirs, 617 miles (993 km) of streams, and the Cascade Lakes Area. The Deschutes River is a designated Wild & Scenic River within the forest.

Yes, Deschutes National Forest encompasses five wilderness areas: Diamond Peak, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Thielsen, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness. These areas feature alpine lakes, old-growth forests, and towering peaks, offering extensive trail systems, including a section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

The elevation in Deschutes National Forest ranges significantly, from approximately 1,950 feet (594 m) at Lake Billy Chinook to 10,358 feet (3,157 m) at the summit of South Sister. This wide range contributes to the forest's diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

Komoot features more than 700 routes within Deschutes National Forest, covering various sports like hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. These routes have been explored by over 21,000 visitors and hold an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars.

Komoot offers several guides for Deschutes National Forest, including Hiking in Deschutes National Forest, MTB Trails in Deschutes National Forest, and Cycling in Deschutes National Forest. Additional guides cover easy hikes, waterfall hikes, running, road cycling, and gravel biking.

The official website for Deschutes National Forest is part of the USDA Forest Service site. Information regarding permits, regulations, and current conditions can be found there. The website address is www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes.

For direct inquiries, the main phone number for the Deschutes National Forest Headquarters is (541) 383-5300. This number can be used for general questions or specific information about the forest.