Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Frequently Asked Questions

History

1. When was the Deschutes National Forest established?   On September 28, 1893 the Cascade Range Forest Reserve was established. This forest reserve included the part of the present day Deschutes National Forest west of the Deschutes River. On June 3, 1908 by an executive order the Deschutes National Forest was formed from parts of the Blue Mountains, Cascades, and Fremont National Forests and included what is now the Ochoco National forest and lands east of the Deschutes River.
2. When was the Ochoco National Forest established?  On June 30, 1911 the Ochoco National Forest was created from lands removed from the Deschutes National Forest.
3. Where does the name "Deschutes" come from?   The forest was named for the river that flows through Bend. The river was named by French Canadian fur trappers who called it "Rivera de Chute"s meaning river of many falls (chutes), which was later shortened to Deschutes River.

For more on the history of the area check the history section.