Deschutes National Forest - Forest Supervisor's Office

Deschutes National Forest is Central Oregon's ultimate outdoor classroom, offering over 1.6 million acres of family-friendly adventures just minutes from Bend. From easy nature walks perfect for little legs to pristine lakes for swimming and fishing, this vast wilderness provides endless opportunities for families to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature together.

• ✓Natural swimming holes at pristine mountain lakes with sandy beaches perfect for kids
• ✓Junior Ranger programs teaching kids about forest ecology and wildlife
• ✓Easy waterfall hikes like Tumalo Falls with viewing platforms
• ✓Family-friendly campgrounds with fire rings for s'mores and stargazing
• ✓Fishing opportunities at stocked lakes where kids can catch their first trout

1. 1.Stop by the Forest Supervisor's Office on weekdays to grab free trail maps, Junior Ranger activity books, and get personalized recommendations from rangers who know which trails are currently kid-friendly.
2. 2.Pack layers even in summer,forest temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than Bend, and weather changes quickly at higher elevations.
3. 3.Bring a Discovery Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for parking at most trailheads, or purchase a day pass at self-service stations (cash or check only at many locations).
4. 4.Visit Todd Lake or Elk Lake for easy access to swimming holes that warm up nicely by mid-summer and have gentle entry points perfect for kids.
5. 5.Download offline maps before you go,cell service is spotty throughout the forest, and trail signs can be confusing without a good map.

Late June through September offers the best weather with accessible trails and warm swimming holes. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Visit in early morning for wildlife spotting and cooler temperatures, or late afternoon for swimming when lakes are warmest.

Most areas require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year) for parking. The Supervisor's Office is open weekdays only for information and passes, but the forest itself is accessible 24/7. Pack all food, water, and supplies as services are limited in the wilderness. Many trails offer vault toilets but no running water.

Snow closes many roads and high-elevation trails from November through May or June. Winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. Wildfire season (July-September) may cause closures,check current conditions before visiting. Fall brings stunning larch tree colors and fewer crowds in late September.

Head back to Bend (10-20 minutes from most forest access points) for kid-friendly options like Jackalope Grill with a creative kids' menu, or grab pre-adventure picnic supplies at Newport Avenue Market which has a great deli and treats kids will actually eat on the trail.