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Drone Rules for Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes County, Oregon (OR) • United States
Deschutes National Forest, Oregon 97703, USA
Lat: 44.0001 • Lng: -121.501
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Deschutes NF borders Crater Lake NP and contains Mt. Bachelor ski area (Bend area). The Three Sisters and Mt. Washington Wilderness Areas ban drones; Bend's growing population increases operational complexity.

Drone Rules - Deschutes NF, Oregon

Three Sisters Wilderness (partial) and Mt. Washington Wilderness ban drones; Crater Lake NP's no-fly begins at the park boundary.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Bend Municipal (BDN) and Redmond Airport (RDM) Class D are both within 15-20 NM of major trailheads; LAANC required for flights near Bend
  • Mt. Bachelor ski area is outside Wilderness but inside the forest -- active helicopter ski patrol activity in winter
  • Smith Rock State Park abuts the forest; Oregon State Parks prohibit drones, and it's a popular filming location

Key Rules

  • Smith Rock: confirm whether launch site is on USFS or Oregon State Parks land
  • Fire season TFRs common June-October; check FAA TFR viewer
  • USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial work; Part 107 required for any commercial flight

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