The Deschutes NF hosts official preservation areas, various biology, and recreational activities.

About 7,700 years ago, the eruption of Mount Mazama (forming Crater Lake, south of the forest) covered the existing soil with about 3 feet (0.9 meters) of volcanic ash and pumice, forming a topsoil fairly inhospitable to plants, though with the underlying soil still being accessible to roots.

[15] Forbs in the forest include Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Antennaria rosea, Carex rossii, Chaenactis douglasii, Ericameria bloomeri, Eriogonum umbellatum, Eriophyllum lanatum, Fragaria virginiana (strawberry), Ipomopsis aggregata, Juncus balticus, Linum lewisii, Lupinus lepidus, Packera cana, Penstemon davidsonii, P. fruticosus, P. humilis, and P.

[16] Grasses include Achnatherum hymenoides, Bromus carinatus, Elymus elymoides, Festuca idahoensis, Koeleria macrantha, Leymus cinereus, and Pseudoroegneria spicata.

[16] Shrubs include Arctostaphylos nevadensis, A. patula, Artemisia tridentata, Ceanothus prostratus, C. velutinus, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Cornus sericea, Holodiscus dumosus, Lonicera involucrata, Philadelphus lewisii, Physocarpus malvaceus, Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Purshia tridentata, Ribes aureum (golden currant), Symphoricarpos albus, Ribes cereum (wax currant), and Rosa woodsii.

In 2010, in partnership with Oregon State University, the area hosted a first-of-its-kind genetic analysis of soil to locate the fungi.

[11] Recreational activities in the forest include boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking, as well as mountain biking (with an extensive trail system).