Oregon Badlands Wilderness

Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a protected high desert landscape in Deschutes County featuring volcanic formations and ancient juniper forests. The terrain displays pressure ridges and other remnants created by volcanic activity across the region.

The area received federal protection through legislation signed in 2009 after decades of local advocacy efforts. This designation recognized the region's geological and ecological significance.

Native American pictographs remain preserved within the wilderness boundaries, providing evidence of indigenous presence in this volcanic territory.

Five trailheads connect over 50 miles of paths throughout the wilderness for year-round exploration. Hikers and riders can use these routes in any season.

A collapsed lava tube created a rootless shield volcano with an unusual pit crater at its summit here. This geological oddity results from a rare volcanic process.

Location: Deschutes County

Inception: 2009

GPS coordinates: 44.00000,-121.04000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02