Exploring Deschutes National Forest with Kids: Easy Trails, Big Trees & Wild Adventures!
Welcome to Deschutes: A Forest Full of Wonder
Have you ever walked in a forest where the trees are taller than houses? We did, and we want to tell you all about it! Deschutes National Forest in Oregon is one of the best places to take kids who love to explore nature, run wild, and maybe spot a few animals too.
Whether you are planning a trip or a weekend getaway, this forest is full of easy hikes, cool views, and fun surprises for the whole family.
“It’s like a giant playground for us. I loved the volcano!”
Newberry National Volcano
Volcanic Peaks, Shrinking Glaciers
Why Deschutes is Perfect for Families
Deschutes is huge, over 1.6 million acres! But don’t worry, there are easy trails, signs everywhere, and bathrooms at many spots. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without too much work.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Hikes
Here are 3 trails we tried, and loved!
Lava Butte Trail
You are walking on an old volcano! It’s a bit rocky but not long. The views are awesome.
At every step of the way as you walk this trail, you are presented with history, the types of rocks you are seeing and the vegetation you come across. This isn’t just a learning experience for kids; but it was for us as well.
There is a bus that takes you to the top of the crater so you can look inside (not scary at all). You are able to walk around it, read even more about the history of what happened, and oh my, the views are incredible.
The trail is 1.2 miles, and it is a very easy trail to complete. Regardless of whether you have small kids, old kids, or “old” knees, this trail is for you. We saw pets amongst others, and it was an incredible experience. Don’t miss out!
Benham Falls Trail
This is a scenic hike along the Deschutes River with views of the falls. We wanted an easy hike with great views, and this trail did not disappoint. The impressive power of the “falls” was something to be remembered, and my kids loved it. Don’t expect a waterfall; it is more like raging rapids, yet amazing to see up close.
There are sections of this trail that are well-paved, making it easier if you’d like to take a bike ride, and the best part is that it is not busy, making it suitable for parents with kids and their pets.
This trail is 6.7 miles long, and it took us about 2.5 hours to complete. We took our time, sat down for snacks, and because we love learning new things. Our family loves to explore and learn about new plants or animals, and our kids learned a lot from this adventure.
This trail is 6.7 miles long, and it took us about 3 hours to complete. We took our time, sat down for snacks and lunch, and because we love learning new things, we took the time to explore and learn about new plants or animals we came across.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock Misery Ridge Trail
Smith Rock State Park is an absolute playground for families, offering the perfect blend of adventure and natural wonder that will have your kids talking about the trip for months. The park’s iconic towering spires and red rock formations create a dramatic backdrop that feels like stepping into a real-life adventure movie, while the relatively easy River Trail provides a perfect introduction to hiking for little legs.
Kids will be mesmerized watching rock climbers scale the famous Monkey Face formation, and the shallow Crooked River offers opportunities for splashing, rock skipping, and discovering wildlife like river otters and countless bird species.
Smith Rock is truly special for families because it sparks curiosity and builds confidence in young adventurers. This trail is very well maintained, and with so many trail options available for every level, you will not be disappointed. We took the Misery Ridge Trail, our kids were up to the challenge, and although slippery at some point (bring hiking shoes), for my kids, they were in awe of the breathtaking panoramic views and super excited to have climbed the hardest trail in the park.
The park’s unique high desert ecosystem provides endless opportunities for nature discovery, from identifying different rock layers to spotting golden eagles soaring overhead. It’s the kind of place where screen time becomes irrelevant, and you will truly reconnect with your family through this shared outdoor experience.
What Wild Life We Saw
The wildlife viewing opportunities were not as many as we were expecting. While at the Deschutes National Forest, we spotted many deer, otters, and plenty of bird species. We saw a falcon while hiking Smith Rock and a beaver near the river.
Trail Tips Just for Kids
Here are some tips we learned:
- Don’t run on rocky parts. It is very easy to trip.
- Take many breaks and bring some snacks. It gets really hot and dry.
- Bring extra clothes in case you get wet. My kids decided to jump in the river and well… you can imagine.
- Hat, sun protection, and band aids.
- Look up AND down, you never know what you will see.
Extra Things To Do With Older Kids & Teens
The Deschutes National Forest is big, beautiful, and family-friendly. Whether you hike, picnic, or just explore, your kids will make memories that last forever.
Next time I go back, I would love to go see the following places:
Hike to Tumalo Falls: This is a 97-ft waterfall and you can hike further upstream for even more falls.
Explore the Lava River Cave: We have gone caving in the past, and it is an absolute experience worth your time. It is a real lava tube a lot of history underneath. Highly recommended.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Sparks Lake: This lake is beautiful with wide open views, mountain reflection selfies, and the peaceful feel of gliding across water.
So many things to try and do with your kids. If you would like me to recommend places to stay please let me know. We had a great time and there was plenty for us adults and kids to do.
