Deschutes National Forest

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Step into a world where ancient volcanoes meet sun-dappled pine forests, where shimmering alpine lakes reflect towering peaks, and where adventure awaits around every bend. Deschutes National Forest is a year-round haven where you can explore the wild heart of Central Oregon.

When the weather warms, trails beckon hikers and bikers, rivers flow with possibilities for anglers and paddlers, and opportunities abound for observing diverse wildlife and the richness of the natural world. In winter, the forest transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile rides. From summer hikes to snowy winter adventures, Deschutes National Forest offers a stunning 1.6 million acres of outdoor fun. To help protect this natural resource and ensure a safe experience, please check this page for essential permits, trail updates, and seasonal advisories before you head out.

Starting May 1, 2025, a 40-square-mile area of Deschutes National Forest just south of Bend will close for at least a year while workers embark on a restoration project designed to lower the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. The closure of the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Area means trails like Bessie Butte, Horse Butte, and Swamp Wells will be off-limits. Caves in the area, including Boyd Cave, Hidden Forest Cave, and Arnold Ice Cave will also be closed to all public access. Wanderlust Tours will be operating naturalist guided tours of Lava River Cave, outside the closure area, from May 1 – September 15. Learn more here.

Roughly speaking, the closure includes much of China Hat Road, Horse Butte Road, and Forest Service road 1810, and stretches from Horse Butte in the north to Kelsey and Luna buttes in the south. For a map of the exact area, please see the forest service plan. Fines for trespassing are stiff—up to $5,000 with possible jail time.

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Trailhead parking at Wanoga Sno-Park in Bend, OR

Many trailheads and sno-parks in Deschutes National Forest require a permit to park.

Non-winter months: A pass is required for Tumalo Falls, trailheads and lake access on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and when visiting Newberry National Volcanic Monument. If you have an America the Beautiful or Senior Lifetime Pass, you are all set. Otherwise, you will need a NW Forest Pass. A day pass is $5, the annual pass is $30.

November 1 – April 30: You will need to purchase a sno-park permit if you are planning to visit any of Bend’s sno-parks for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or sledding. Day permits are $5, a 3-day consecutive permit is $10, and a permit for the winter season is $27.

NW Forest Passes and Oregon Sno-Park Permits may be purchased at the following locations: