Deschutes County, County administrative division in Central Oregon, United States.
Description
Deschutes County is an administrative region in Central Oregon with varied terrain including desert areas, mountain ranges, and river valleys. The territory encompasses several towns like Bend, Sisters, and Redmond scattered across these diverse landscapes.
History
The county was established in 1916 when it separated from Crook County and took its name from French-Canadian fur traders. These early merchants named the main river after the waterfalls they encountered in the area.
Culture
The region has deep ties to Native American communities, particularly the Warm Springs and Klamath peoples, whose influence shapes local traditions today. You can see this heritage in local crafts, gatherings, and how people connect with the land and its stories.
Practical
Regular bus routes operated by Cascades East Transit connect the main towns throughout the region. Keep in mind that connections outside the larger towns are limited, and having a car is often helpful for exploring the wider area.
Did you know?
The region contains over 500 lava caves formed by eruptions from Newberry Volcano, creating one of the country's most extensive underground systems. Some of these subterranean formations are open to visitors who want to explore them.
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The last Blockbuster
18.8 km
Newberry Volcano
24.7 km
Smith Rock State Park
51.5 km
Mount Bachelor
38.3 km
Lava River Cave
12.1 km
Lava Butte
10.9 km
Mount Washington
68.2 km
Pilot Butte
17.5 km
Broken Top
42.9 km
Three Sisters Wilderness
24.6 km
Tumalo Falls
31 km
Petersen Rock Garden
32.8 km
Les Schwab Amphitheater
17.1 km
Oregon Badlands Wilderness
17.6 km
High Desert Museum
11.6 km
Tumalo State Park
25.8 km
Belknap Crater
64.9 km
Wickiup Reservoir
45.6 km
Benham Falls
15.8 km
Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
40 km
Proxy Falls
63.2 km
Mirror Pond
18.5 km
Oregon Route 242
62.2 km
Camp Abbot
18.5 kmCascade Lakes
46.5 kmCrane Prairie Reservoir
48.8 km
Crooked River High Bridge
53.7 km
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
53.6 km
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