Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon is a wonderland of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower-filled meadows. With over 1.6 million acres of protected land and hundreds of miles of trails, it’s a dream destination for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re searching for panoramic summit views, peaceful pine forests, or family-friendly waterfall hikes, Deschutes has it all. This article explores the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest, along with a deep dive into the region’s fascinating history, top travel tips, and places to stay.

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History of Deschutes National Forest

Geologic and Pre-Historic Origins

Deschutes lies in the eastern shadow of the Cascade Mountains, a volcanic range that has been active for millions of years. The landscape here has been dramatically shaped by past eruptions. Lava Butte, Newberry Crater, and the Cascade Lakes Basin are all volcanic features that define the region. Ancient lava flows and cinder cones are visible from many trails. This created a unique hiking experience that blends geology with scenery.

Long before it was a recreation destination, this area was home to Indigenous peoples. Native tribes include Klamath, Molala, and Northern Paiute tribes. These groups lived off the land, hunting game, fishing in the rivers, and harvesting roots and berries. The Deschutes River provided a vital source of water, food, and transportation.

National Forest Designation

The forest was officially designated in 1908 as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s push to conserve America’s wildlands. Originally a part of the Blue Mountains and Cascade Forest Reserves, it became known as Deschutes National Forest. The forest is named after the Deschutes River that winds through the heart of the landscape.

Modern Use and Conservation

Today, Deschutes National Forest is actively managed by the U.S. Forest Service and local partners to balance access and protection. Notably, it includes areas like the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and parts of the Three Sisters Wilderness. These areas are carefully protected to support native wildlife, healthy forests, and clean watersheds.

In addition, fire crews, scientists, and volunteers work year-round to monitor forest health and reduce wildfire risks. Meanwhile, conservation programs focus on restoring habitats, removing invasive species, and improving popular trail systems. As a result, the forest supports local communities through recreation, tourism, and sustainable land use.

Throughout the year, visitors come to hike, camp, ski, fish, paddle, and explore volcanic landscapes. Ultimately, these activities connect people to nature and promote long-term stewardship of Oregon’s public lands.

Best Time to Visit

If you want to check out the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest, best time to visit largely depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

Summer

June to September is ideal for hiking. Most trails are snow-free by July, and wildflowers begin to bloom in alpine meadows. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 70s and 80s, making for perfect trail conditions. This is also the best time for paddling, mountain biking, and camping.

Fall

September to October is a hidden gem season. Crowds thin out, but the weather remains pleasant. The fall colors start to show, particularly in areas with aspen and larch. Crisp mornings and golden afternoons make this a peaceful time to explore.

Winter

November to March turns Deschutes into a snowy playground. While many hiking trails are inaccessible, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski at places like Virginia Meissner Sno-Park or Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.

Spring

April to May is shoulder season. Snowmelt begins, and lower elevation trails start to open. It’s a good time to visit waterfalls and rivers swollen with snowmelt, but always check trail conditions before heading out.

Where to Stay

There are many places to stay in and around Deschutes National Forest, depending on your travel style and comfort level.

Bend, Oregon is the largest nearby city and a perfect base camp. It offers great restaurants, local breweries, outdoor gear shops, and easy access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You’ll find everything from boutique hotels and family-friendly inns to budget motels and vacation rentals.

Sunriver is a popular resort town just south of Bend. It’s ideal for families and couples who want a relaxed, all-in-one vacation experience. Sunriver offers rental homes, lodges, spas, a golf course, bike paths, and proximity to trails and lakes.

Campgrounds

With hundreds of campsites nestled among pines, rivers, and mountain views, Deschutes National Forest offers something for every kind of camper. Whether you prefer a developed campground or a quiet spot off the beaten path, this forest makes it easy to sleep under the stars and wake up to adventure.

Elk Lake Campground – Stunning views of Mt. Bachelor with swimming, paddling, and sunset watching.

Lava Lake Campground – Surrounded by lodgepole pine forest, it’s perfect for fishing and quiet evenings.

Paulina Lake Campground – Nestled inside Newberry Caldera, it provides access to hot springs, hiking, and stargazing.

Cabins and Fire Lookouts are also available for those wanting a rustic yet unique overnight stay. These are often located in remote settings and require reservations months in advance, especially in summer.

Backcountry Camping is available in designated wilderness areas like the Three Sisters Wilderness. You’ll need a permit and should follow Leave No Trace principles.

For those traveling in RVs or camper vans, there are designated sites with hookups as well as dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads. Just be sure to check road conditions and seasonal closures before heading out.

What to Do in Deschutes National Forest

While you might be here to check out the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest, there’s something for every kind of adventurer. Beyond hiking, there are endless ways to explore the forest’s rivers, mountains, lakes, and open skies.

Water Adventures

Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Glide across glassy alpine lakes like Sparks Lake, Hosmer Lake, and Elk Lake, where you’ll be surrounded by mountain reflections and wildlife. The Deschutes River offers scenic paddling with both calm sections and exhilarating rapids.

Canoeing: Paddle through Cascade Lakes for peaceful waters and dramatic mountain views. Many of these lakes are non-motorized, making for a serene experience.

Fishing: The forest is a haven for anglers. Try your luck at Crane Prairie Reservoir, East Lake, or Fall River for trout and kokanee salmon. Be sure to check seasonal regulations and licensing requirements.

Boating: Motorized boats are allowed on select lakes like Wickiup Reservoir and Paulina Lake, popular for water skiing, tubing, and cruising.

Trail Sports

Mountain Biking: Hit world-class trails near Bend like Phil’s Trail Complex, Wanoga Trails, or Swampy Lakes Loop. From beginner-friendly paths to expert-only singletracks, there’s terrain for every rider.

Trail Running: The forest’s soft volcanic soils and scenic routes make it a dream destination for trail runners. Try Shevlin Park or the Metolius-Windigo Trail for a smooth, forested run.

Horseback Riding: Many trails in Deschutes are open to equestrian use. Consider guided trail rides or explore on your own through meadows and pine forests.

Scenic Exploration

Scenic Drives: The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile stretch of breathtaking alpine beauty, ideal for road trips with plenty of stops for hikes, swims, and photos.

Picnicking: Pack lunch and head to day-use areas like Devils Lake, Paulina Creek Falls, or Benham Falls for picnic tables, restrooms, and gorgeous views.

Wildflower Viewing: July and August bring a riot of color to the high meadows and lakeshores. Look for lupine, Indian paintbrush, and beargrass along trails like Green Lakes or Broken Top.

Unique Destinations

Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Explore Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube, or hike the Obsidian Flow Trail through shiny black volcanic glass. This area also includes hot springs, caldera lakes, and panoramic viewpoints.

Hot Springs: After a long hike, unwind in rustic geothermal pools like East Lake Hot Springs, or scout out more secluded springs with a little backcountry effort.

Rock and Snow Activities

Rock Climbing: Head just north of the forest to Smith Rock State Park, a climbing mecca with towering basalt cliffs and routes for all levels.

Winter Recreation: In the colder months, the forest transforms into a snow sports hub:

• Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding: Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain.
• Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing: Try Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, Swampy Lakes, or Dutchman Flat for groomed cross-country trails and peaceful snow-covered landscapes.
• Sledding & Tubing: Family-friendly fun can be found at designated snow parks like Wanoga Sno-Park.

Stargazing & Photography

Stargazing: With minimal light pollution and high-elevation skies, Deschutes is a prime spot for stargazing. Paulina Peak, East Lake, and Lava Butte are especially popular for night sky views.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Bring your camera for a chance to spot deer, elk, eagles, osprey, and even black bears or pine martens in more remote areas. Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for capturing the forest’s beauty.

Best Hikes in Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes National Forest is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that wind through lava flows, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests. Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic stroll or a challenging summit trek, there’s a hike here for every skill level and season.

Green Lakes Trail

• Distance: 9 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead (off Cascade Lakes Hwy)

This trail is a favorite for a reason. It follows Fall Creek through dense pine forest, past waterfalls and meadows, and ends at a series of emerald alpine lakes nestled below South Sister and Broken Top. The views are spectacular, and wildflowers are abundant in July and August. As you climb gradually alongside the creek, the sound of rushing water accompanies you most of the way.

Once you reach the Green Lakes basin, you’re rewarded with dramatic reflections of snow-dusted peaks in crystal-clear water. The beautiful alpine water makes this one of the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest. The trail is well-maintained and popular, so arrive early for parking and serenity. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, and permits are required during peak season.

Misery Ridge and River Loop Trail

• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Trailhead: Smith Rock State Park

Though technically outside the forest boundary, this iconic trail at Smith Rock State Park is a Central Oregon must. The hike begins with a steep, switchback-filled ascent up Misery Ridge. It lives up to its name with a heart-pumping climb—but rewarding you at the top with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Crooked River. You’ll also get incredible views of the high desert below, and the snow-capped Cascades to the west.

After soaking in the views and possibly spotting climbers on the sheer rock faces below, the trail descends along the backside of the ridge toward Monkey Face, a famous rock spire beloved by climbers. Next, continue along the River Trail, a much gentler section that hugs the Crooked River through a dramatic basalt canyon, with wildflowers and wildlife in abundance during spring and summer. It’s best hiked early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Tumalo Falls Trail

• Distance: 7 miles round trip (or just 0.5 miles to the main falls)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Tumalo Falls Day Use Area

This trail offers easy access to one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls. A short 0.5-mile walk from the parking lot brings you to a viewing platform overlooking Tumalo Falls—a stunning 97-foot cascade plunging over a lava cliff into a rocky canyon below. While this quick viewpoint is great for families or those short on time, the real magic happens when you continue past the falls along Tumalo Creek Trail.

The path follows the creek upstream through a shady hemlock and pine forest, crossing footbridges and passing a series of smaller waterfalls. At around 3.5 miles in, you’ll reach Double Falls, another spectacular cascade that makes a great turnaround point. I always love a good waterfall, easily making this one of the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest. This hike is especially lovely in the spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds the waterfalls and wildflowers line the trail. Expect crowds in summer—arrive early to snag a parking spot. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Paulina Peak Trail

• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Paulina Lake Campground

Perched on the rim of the Newberry Caldera, the Paulina Peak Trail offers one of the most commanding panoramic views in Central Oregon. Starting from the Paulina Lake Campground, the trail climbs steadily through lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock forests before opening up into a rugged alpine landscape of volcanic rock and sweeping views. The trail follows an old forest road much of the way, but don’t let that deter you—this is a hike with serious payoff.

At the summit (7,984 feet), hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views: look down on the twin blue basins of Paulina Lake and East Lake, admire the rippled lava flows that define the caldera floor, and on a clear day, spot peaks from Mount Bachelor all the way to Mount Shasta in California. You’ll also be able to see the Big Obsidian Flow, a dramatic river of shiny volcanic glass that poured from a crater only 1,300 years ago.

This trail is especially beautiful in late summer and fall, when the air is crisp and the colors shift into gold and russet. Because the trail climbs to high elevation, it can retain snow into early summer—always check trail conditions if you’re hiking in the shoulder seasons. For those who prefer a shorter option, you can drive up the seasonal Paulina Peak Road and take a quick walk to the summit lookout. But if you have the time and energy, hiking the full trail provides a more immersive and rewarding experience.

There are vault toilets at the trailhead and picnic areas nearby at Paulina Lake. Dogs are welcome on leash, and it’s a good idea to bring extra water and sun protection—exposure increases dramatically on the upper stretches of trail.

Broken Top Trail via Crater Ditch

• Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Crater Ditch Road or Todd Lake (high-clearance vehicle needed)

This out-and-back trail leads to one of the most spectacular alpine basins in Central Oregon—No Name Lake, a glacial, turquoise-colored lake cradled beneath the jagged ridgeline of Broken Top. The hike begins from a primitive trailhead accessed via a rough forest road (Forest Road 370), so a high-clearance vehicle is essential. Once on the trail, you’ll follow a steady incline through open meadows, volcanic terrain, and pockets of subalpine forest. In summer, wildflowers blanket the hillsides in vivid color, with lupine, paintbrush, and heather creating a painterly landscape.

The final ascent to the lake reveals a surreal scene: the glacial lake set against the towering walls of Broken Top, with remnants of snowfields often lingering into late summer. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Deschutes National Forest. While the elevation gain is moderate, the rocky and occasionally dusty trail can be a bit challenging in places, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended.

This hike is best done from late July to early October when the access road is clear of snow. Due to its increasing popularity and fragile alpine environment, it’s important to stay on the trail and practice Leave No Trace principles. Dogs are allowed on leash. Note: as of recent years, a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit may be required—be sure to check current permit regulations before heading out.

Final Thoughts

Deschutes National Forest offers some of the most diverse and scenic hiking in Oregon. Whether you’re tackling a summit, strolling to a waterfall, or paddling an alpine lake, the experiences here are unforgettable. Use this guide to plan your visit, and explore the best hikes in Deschutes National Forest for an adventure that’s truly one of a kind.

As always, please practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the outdoors! Check local trail and weather conditions before any hike.

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