Written Journal #9: Deschutes National Forest

When my family and I are not in sunny Southern California, we are often in the depths of the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon. The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife and recreation, perfect for immersing in nature and its beauty. I enjoy mountain biking through the trees. There is nothing like the peace you experience when in the middle of a massive forest. The clean fresh air along with the particular smell of the coniferous trees warms the soul. It is also breathtaking to see the sun illuminate the various shades of green from all of the trees. Throughout my time riding, I also look for mule deer scattered in the area. I believe it is good luck to see a mule deer. They often travel in groups as they look for specific flora to feast on. Another beautiful aspect of the land is the winding Deschutes River. Oftentimes, my family rents river rafts to float downstream. It is peaceful to let nature guide you through the heart of the land. These experiences made ‘The Best of Edward Abbey’ relatable as I drew connections to his time floating on the Green River in Utah. 

One of the ways the Deschutes forest remains healthy is through the use of controlled burns. Fires are a crucial part of nature that humans often suppress. Due to this, ecosystems can become inhabitable due to the overcrowded debris and disease that spreads through the land. The use of controlled burns clears fallen trees, controls diseases, and helps restore the environment. I found this similar to the work we conducted at the nature reserve. Clearing the invasive bamboo was critical to opening up the land for the local wildlife. I’m curious if the nature reserve has ever used controlled burns to try and restore the natural beauty of the land. 

Someday, I hope to potentially live in the Pacific Northwest area. I believe it is a beautiful part of the country that has endless opportunities to dig into nature. I know living in the area will be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and truly ‘suck the marrow out of life” (Thoreau).








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