If you’re seeking a destination where you’ll be surrounded by seas of trees, rugged mountains, and wild, untamed rivers, then Deschutes National Forest needs to be on your list for your next Oregon family vacation. located in central Oregon, is a stunning and diverse landscape that spans nearly 1.6 million acres of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain.
Centered around the charming, outdoorsy town of Bend, the forest offers endless opportunities for recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, winter sports, and wildlife watching. It’s home to iconic destinations like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and parts of the Three Sisters Wilderness, making it a year-round playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
For those planning on exploring the Deschutes National Forest, our Central Oregon Resort is the perfect base camp for families, couples, or solo travelers. Our beautiful property has everything you need on-site for restful mornings and evenings before you hit the trails. Our cabins in Oregon are cozy, clean, and comfortable for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. We can’t wait to host you as you explore the splendor of the Deschutes National Forest. Book your cabin today!
Best Things to Do at the Deschutes National Forest
The Deschutes National Forest‘s geology is one of its most unique features—shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity; the region includes lava flows, obsidian fields, and dramatic caldera landscapes. Visitors can explore lava tubes like Lava River Cave, paddle the serene waters of Sparks Lake, or summit peaks for panoramic views of the Cascades.
Whether exploring ancient volcanic craters or relaxing under towering ponderosa pines, the Deschutes National Forest offers a rich mix of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and outdoor experiences, making it a crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest.
Here are the best things to do in the Deschutes National Forest:
- The Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway is the perfect way to get a lay of the land and see the absolute beauty from the comfort of your own vehicle. Running 66 miles from Bend to Oregon Route 58, it passes by all the Cascade lakes, including Sparks Lake, Devils Lake, and Elk Lake.
- If you’re ready for a hike, The Tumalo Mountain Trail is a popular and rewarding hike in central Oregon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains with a relatively moderate effort. This 4-mile roundtrip out-and-back trail climbs steadily through a lodgepole pine forest before opening up to sweeping alpine vistas from the summit. This may be best to attempt with older kids!
- If you’re exploring Deschutes National Forest with young children, hiking the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is a fantastic option. This easy and scenic 2.3-mile loop is located on the eastern shore of Sparks Lake. The trail winds through a lodgepole pine forest and lava flows, with portions that run alongside the lakeshore.
- Sparks Lake is a great place to launch your kayak and explore this clear and shallow alpine lake. This is one of the most popular day trips from Bend, so plan accordingly for crowds.
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument, located just south of Bend, Oregon, is a geologically rich and visually striking landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The monument features dramatic sites like Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, and the expansive Newberry Caldera, which contains two beautiful alpine lakes—Paulina Lake and East Lake—perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Plan Your Oregon Family Vacation at our Cabins
Planning your Oregon family vacation is easy when you book our excellent waterfront resort. You’ll wake rested in the mornings, ready to take on the hikes at Deschutes National Forest and the adventures beyond. In the evenings, the resort’s charming cabins provide a perfect retreat. Each cabin features comfortable beds, full kitchens, and decks with lake views, making it easy to relax, cook dinner together, or unwind with board games or stargazing after a long day outdoors.
We offer a host of fun family activities on-site, including cruiser bikes, paddleboards, a basketball court, ax throwing, and so much more. While swimming in our lake is not recommended, hop into our olympic sized outdoor pool or soak in one of our many hot tubs. The absolute perfect place to take in one of the incredible sunsets over the mountain ridges.
With limited distractions and stunning natural beauty all around, our Oregon lakefront resort invites families to slow down, reconnect, and savor the simplicity of mountain life—a true Pacific Northwest escape where memories are made around the campfire and adventures begin right outside your cabin door. We can’t wait to be the space where your family makes memories. Book your cabin today!
