Kayakers on Sparks Lake with the South Sister in the Cascade Mountains. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
About
Established: Dec. 13, 1916
Elev. at Bend: 3,628'
Area: 3,055 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 30.5° July 65.5°
Assessed Value: $32,203,360,893
Real Market Value: $80,494,439,685
(includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 12"
Economy: Tourism, retail trade, forest products, recreational equipment, aviation, software and high technology
Incorporated Cities
Points of Interest
Smith Rock State Park, Mount Bachelor ski area, High Desert Museum, Lava Lands, Cascade Lakes Highway, Lava River Caves State Park, Lava Cast Forests, Newberry Crater, Pilot Butte, Three Sisters Wilderness, Central Oregon Community College, Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Redmond Airport, Pine Mountain Observatory
History and General Information
French Canadian fur trappers of the Hudson’s Bay Company gave the name Riviere des Chutes (River of the Falls) to the Deschutes River, from which Deschutes County took its name. In 1916, Deschutes County was created from a part of Crook County and the city of Bend was named the county seat.
Deschutes County has a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, with snowcapped peaks dominating the skyline to the west and the wide-open high desert extending to the east. Popular resort areas dot the landscape. The Deschutes National Forest offers multiple campgrounds and dispersed camping.
The county has experienced rapid growth largely due to its climate and year-round recreation activities. Central Oregon offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hunting, hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and golf, among many other opportunities.
County Officials
Commissioners: Chair Anthony DeBone (2027); Patti Adair, (2027); Phil Chang (2029); Dist. Atty. Steve Gunnels (2027); Assess. Scot Langton (2027); Clerk Steve Dennison (2027); Kent Vander Kamp (2029); Surv. Kevin Samuel; Treas. William Kuhn (2027); Justice of the Peace Charles Fadeley (2029); Co. Admin. Nick Lelack