Other recreational activities
Page 3: Enjoy the land
CampingThere are over 125 developed campsites on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests. These include campsites managed by the Forest Service as well as by counties, utility companies and other federal agencies. There are 12 state parks in Central Oregon, of which five contain campgrounds. “Dispersed camping” where no improved facilities are provided is permitted on much of the National Forest land; users are encouraged to leave no imprint.
Hunting
Hunting is a popular sport throughout Oregon and is carefully managed by the Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. Mountain and high desert regions provide habitat for popular game species such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk and pronghorn. General seasons also apply for black bear and cougar.
Big game rifle hunting seasons extend from late September through late November. Bowhunting seasons run from late August through late September. Tags and licenses are required for all game hunting. A general hunting license costs $22.50 for residents and $76.50 for non-residents. Deer tags are $19.50 for residents and $264.50 for non-residents.
Upland game bird species subject to hunting include pheasant, California quail, mountain quail, ruffled and blue grouse, turkey, chukar and Hungarian partridge. Migratory game birds and waterfowl include ducks, coots, mergansers, dove, band-tailed pigeon, snipe and geese. Check with ODFW for seasons, limits and license regulations.
Horseback riding
Bring your own or rent one here. Recreational riding opportunities abound, with boarding stables, riding academies, trail rides, pack trips and at least one dude ranch on the equestrian menu in Central Oregon. Horse camps are available on the Deschutes National Forest, patronized by local riders and groups led by outfitters based in the area.
Many resorts have stables open seasonally to guests and drop-in visitors for trail rides. These include Sunriver Resort, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Casino, and Seventh Mountain Resort (see Destination Resort page for links). Riding is the centerpiece of the dude ranch experience at Rock Springs Guest Ranch near Tumalo.
All-terrain vehicles
Several designated ATV areas exist on public land near Bend. Spark arrestors and permit stickers are among requirements. Resident and out-of-state permits may be obtained at most ATV dealers Much of the ATV activity is centered in desert topography near Milliken, about 25 mi E of Bend on Highway 20. Play areas and trail sytems are found there. Other play areas are situated east of La Pine. Additional trail systems are located near the Cascade Lakes Highway south of Bend; Prineville; and an area on the Crooked River Grassland between Redmond and Madras.
Rockhounding
Central Oregon’s volcanic geology makes it rich in mineral resources of interest to rockhounds. Ten sites on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are open to private rock collectors. Principal minerals are agate, jasper, limbcast, petrified wood, moss, dendrite and angel wing. Richardson's Rock Ranch, a fee-based private site off Highway 97 some 11 miles north of Madras, provides acres of thunderegg, agate and opal beds.
Outings
More than 170 developed day-use sites on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests include picnic areas, trailheads and roadside viewpoints. Fourteen resorts operate under special use permits on the Deschutes National Forest. Other than Mt. Bachelor, they are associated with popular fishing lakes and provide rustic accommodations, stores and limited food service during the summer tourist season.
Return to Recreation title page
