Things to Do in Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest, a national forest in central Oregon, encompasses nearly 1.6 million acres of diverse landscapes. Its geography is shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring dramatic mountains, extensive lava fields, and a wide elevation range from 1,950 feet to over 10,000 feet. This varied terrain, including alpine lakes, dense forests, and high desert, provides a setting for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest offers a wide array of outdoor activities and routes for exploration. With more than 700 routes available, covering several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more, there are options for various skill levels. More than 21,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars. The forest's diverse trails cater to hikers seeking everything from easy loops to challenging climbs, while mountain bikers can navigate routes through volcanic scenery and along rivers. Cyclists can explore scenic byways and forest roads, and joggers will find varied terrain for their runs. For more detailed information on specific activities, explore guides such as Hiking in Deschutes National Forest, MTB Trails in Deschutes National Forest, and Cycling in Deschutes National Forest.
187
Routes
4.7
(120)
Average rating
3710
People visited
4.0
(2)
119
riders
24.7km
02:18
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
100
riders
20.8km
02:35
410m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(3)
56
riders
17.1km
01:37
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(4)
168
riders
19.8km
01:45
210m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
68
hikers
3.32km
00:59
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
40
hikers
11.2km
03:18
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
26
hikers
9.52km
02:27
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
9.44km
04:36
1,460m
0m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
92
riders
48.6km
03:11
710m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(5)
40
riders
26.6km
01:35
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
22
riders
24.1km
02:02
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
riders
105km
06:10
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
65
riders
123km
06:13
1,900m
1,900m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
61
riders
102km
04:29
960m
960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
140km
07:06
1,960m
1,960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
90.6km
03:52
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
34
runners
17.3km
01:52
90m
90m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
30
runners
14.1km
01:29
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
31
runners
5.81km
00:42
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
runners
6.58km
01:02
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(3)
30
riders
36.6km
02:36
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
45
riders
47.9km
02:55
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
53.1km
04:38
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Top attractions in the region
Explore the region
Most popular attractions in Deschutes National Forest
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available 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.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
Are there easy hiking trails in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
Where can I find mountain biking trails in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
What are the best cycling routes in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
What natural features can be found in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
Are there any wilderness areas within Deschutes National 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.
What is the elevation range in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
How many routes are available on komoot for Deschutes National Forest?
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.
Where can I find komoot guides for activities in Deschutes National Forest?
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.
What is the official website for Deschutes National Forest?
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.
How can I contact Deschutes National Forest directly?
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.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
