Deschutes River Woods: Hotels and Landscape

Deschutes River Woods combines a rural character with a landscape shaped by the river and ancient lava flows. Cultural topics and seasonal ranger programs also play a distinct role in planning your travel dates.

Rural Character

Large lots, dense pine forests, and plenty of privacy define its rural character. The lots and forest shape the area’s physical landscape, while privacy is another defining feature of the destination. If your first consideration when choosing a destination is the surroundings, this combination offers a clear guide: it describes Deschutes River Woods as rural and forested. This makes it possible to understand the character of the place independently of any particular reason for visiting.

The River and Lava Flows as Points of Reference

The Deschutes River forms the western edge of Deschutes River Woods. Meadow Camp lies on the opposite side of the river and can be seen from the area. In the south, ancient lava flows form the boundary; several main roads end at these flows. The river and lava therefore mark different sides of the area: Meadow Camp is visible across the river, while the southern lava boundary also marks where several main roads end.

Geology, Ecology, and Cultural History

The Chitwood Exhibit Hall at the Lava Lands Visitor Center features exhibits on geology, ecology, and cultural history, as well as the eruption history of Newberry Volcano. These topics offer different perspectives on nature and history: geology and eruption history relate to the volcano, ecology to natural relationships, and cultural history to human developments. The exhibits therefore cover more than volcanic history and offer you several subject areas to consider when planning your trip.

Plan Around Seasonal Ranger Programs

Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers interpretive ranger programs at numerous locations from opening weekend in May through Labor Day weekend. This period marks a seasonal offering; annual schedules may vary. If you are choosing your trip around a particular program, check that year’s dates before setting your travel dates. Program dates help with a different planning question than geographic orientation by the river and lava flows: they concern the right time to visit.

Getting Here and Getting Around

The main routes into Deschutes River Woods are via Brookswood Avenue and the Baker Road exit off southern Highway 97. River Woods Drive is the collector road that serves Deschutes River Woods. These details address different aspects of navigation: the access routes help you get there, while River Woods Drive serves as a collector road. There are no sidewalks within Deschutes River Woods. Keep this in mind when planning to walk, and do not assume that a sidewalk network connects destinations.

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