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Start with a backdrop of volcanic mountains that form the Cascade Divide, add alpine forests, dense evergreen forests, mountain lakes, caves, desert areas and alpine meadows and you have Deschutes National Forest.
Elevations range from 2,000 feet at Lake Billy Chinook to 10,497 feet on Mount Jefferson, the second highest peak in Oregon. The forest covers 1.8 million acres, of which 200,000 are wilderness. Within the forest's boundaries are six wild and scenic rivers, 157 lakes and reservoirs and 1,800 miles of hiking, biking, snowmobile, cross-country ski and off-road vehicle trails, including 60 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Points of interest include the Lava Lands Visitor Center, lava fields and tubes, Benham, Tumalo and Paulina Creek falls, Odell, Crescent and Suttle lakes and the Upper Deschutes River Scenic Waterway.
Attractions also include the Head of the Metolius, where a river emerges from the ground, Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Bridge and the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.
The forest is also home to the Redmond Fire and Aviation Center.
Outdoor Activities |
Mount Bachelor in the Deschutes National Forest.
Sky, snowcapped peaks and foliage offer a dramatic contrast on a Deschutes scenic highway.
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