Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Celilo Park Maryhill State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a popular state park located in northern Oregon.
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Summary
The park is situated along the Deschutes River and is known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Deschutes River State Recreation Area is for its scenic hiking trails. The park has several trails that wind through the surrounding hills, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes. The park is also a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with the Deschutes River known for its abundance of rainbow and brown trout.
Some specific points of interest to see within the park include the Deschutes River Rail Bridge, a historic railway bridge that spans the river and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The park also has several campsites and picnic areas, making it a great place for families to spend a day or weekend.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park is situated on land that was once inhabited by the Wasco tribe of Native Americans. The Deschutes River was also an important transportation route during the early 1900s, with steamboats carrying logs and other goods up and down the river.
The best time of year to visit Deschutes River State Recreation Area is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the river is running high. The park can be busy during peak season, so it's best to plan ahead and book campsites or picnic areas in advance.
Overall, Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a beautiful and popular destination in Oregon that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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D1.93R
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Last Ditch Camp
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D3.35R
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D3.69R
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D3.99R
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Colorado Camp
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Celilo Park
Maryhill State Park
Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve
Horsethief Lake State Park