The Central Cascade Wilderness Permit System opens this Sunday. Learn more here.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests want to remind the public that the reservation system for day use permits for the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit System will open on Sunday.

Beginning Sunday, June 5 at 7 a.m., the reservation period for 10-day advance day use permits will open on Recreation.gov for the permit system. The Central Cascades Wilderness permit season begins on June 15 and ends on October 15 annually.

Beginning June 13 at 7 a.m., the reservation period for two-day advance day use permits will open on Recreation.gov for the permit system.

Day-use permits will continue to be available in 10-day and two-day…

Access for fishing and big game scouting is getting tricky.

The ODFW has resources links to stay updated on outdoor recreation.

When wildfire risks are high, it pays to check on access and fire restrictions before you go. Bookmark this page– it includes links to closure and restriction updates on both public and private land.

If you’re hunting deer or elk during the general archery season, the last day to by your tag is Aug. 27. If you bought a Sports Pac, don’t forget to redeem your voucher for the actual tag you’ll need to hunt.

Both fish and the people who chase them will…

Monday September 21st, 5:30 PM – 7 PM Online Event Hosted by Oregon Natural Desert Association

Join Oregon hiking expert Bill Sullivan for a VIRTUAL slideshow tour of a dozen new trails he discovered while researching the third edition of his book, “100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon.”

Discover a colorful badlands on the Owyhee River, a new wilderness with cactus flowers on the John Day, and a viewpoint hike to a ranch at the east end of the Columbia Gorge. We’ll even explore half a dozen little-known hot springs. As always, Sullivan spices his talk with the geology, wildlife and history of the land.

This event is free and registration is required at

June 24th, 4pm – 5pm Online event hosted by Deschutes Land Trust

Butterflies of Central Oregon. More INFO HERE. 

Explore the delicate and beautiful world of butterflies with the Deschutes Land Trust and Amanda Egertson from the comfort of your home. Learn about common butterflies in Central Oregon and a few tips on how to identify butterflies. You’ll also learn more about their unique features and natural history. Then you’ll have a chance to ask our resident expert all your butterfly questions during a question and answer session. **Registration required to receive the virtual event link. Only one person per household needs to register for this event.** Register HERE.

Amanda Egertson is the Deschutes Land…

Wednesday June 3rd 6pm Online Event. More INFO AND REGISTER HERE. 

Wait! Before you head out the door, what’s in your backpack? Sponsored by Jessbfit of Bend.

• Find out how to layer your clothing and choose the right footwear.
• Learn how to gear up for your next hiking trip.
• Learn about packs, poles, the ten essentials and more.
• Assess your gear closet and learn what’s okay to save money on and what’s worth buying top of the line.

This is part 2 of a 5-part series.

Registrants will be sent a ZOOM link a few days prior to the event.

Wednesday May 27, 6pm – 730pm Online Event hosted by JessBFit. MORE INFO HERE.

It’s spring and you’re itching to get outside and explore. But you feel like your body just might not be so ready yet. Whether you’re hoping to walk up the local hill, scale a big mountain or explore points unknown, you’ll…

• Understand how to build your speed, endurance and strength at home or close to home.
• Learn the best ways to start training your body for your next adventure.
• Be able to put together a training plan for your goals.
• Learn more about JessBFit’s online training options.

This is part 1 of a 5-part series.

Registrants will be…

Tuesday May 19, 6pm – Online Event.

Transport yourself to Mt. Whitney with this virtual online presentation by local photographer, Toni Toreno. Did ya know? Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States and the Sierra Nevada, with an elevation of 14,505 feet. Located in Sequoia National Park, this is an area considerably less explored. More EVENT INFO HERE.

Join a live, online presentation by Toni Toreno from Bend Photo Tours as she recaps her recent trek to up Mt. Whitney. Whether you’re planning a to take on Mt. Whitney yourself, or just planning on getting photo tips on shooting while hiking and backpacking around Central Oregon, she’ll give you some insight on what works for…

You may be aware a new wilderness permitting system is scheduled to be implemented this spring for some areas of the Three Sisters Wilderness. This has been a two year process to identify the trails that will require permits. The Forest Service released a statement yesterday postponing the release of the registration system due to the current COVID 19 recreation closures. The statement is below. Stay tuned for more.

April 6, 2020

Springfield and Bend Ore.,—The Deschutes and the Willamette National Forests are postponing the initial release of the Central Cascades Wilderness permits due to COVID-19 public health and safety measures and to avoid potential issues with reservations. Permits were originally planned to be released on April 7, 2020.

“The…

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s online activation brings Oregon’s natural places to you through online events and live streaming. This is a great way to experience some of Oregon’s most wild and beautiful places. Check it out!

Thursday April 16th, 2pm – 3pm

The Oregon Desert Trail is not just made for hiking. Did you know there are sections that you can bike, paddle, horseback ride, and even ski in the winter? Join us as we dive into different options for “quiet recreation” on the public lands throughout Oregon’s high desert. Join ONDA’s Program Coordinator Renee Patrick for this live-streaming event from the comfort of your own home. More INFO HERE.

Registration link to come. Only one person per household…

Thursday Feb 27th, 530pm – 630pm at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe. “Wilderness Solitude Monitoring” By Jason Fisher – Wilderness Specialist Deschutes National Forest. More INFO HERE.

Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe host a monthly lecture series on topics relevant to Central Oregon. Presentation will begin at 5:30pm, and will run for about 40 minutes with 20 minutes open for questions following. We feel very fortunate to have incredibly knowledgeable speakers and exciting topics!