Ochoco National Forest

Since their creation as parts of the Cascade Forest Reserve (1893) and Blue Mountains Forest Reserve (1906), the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests have played an important role in Central Oregon's economic and social history. They were major suppliers of timber during the decades when mills formed the core of Central Oregon's economy and today are a destination for the millions of recreationists who visit Central Oregon each year. The Ochoco National Forest now covers more than 850,000 acres of public lands. and includes 36,200 acres of designated wilderness, distributed among 3 wilderness areas.