Cascade Lakes Highway opens Friday AM

After a very mild, low-snow winter, Deschutes County’s Road Department will open the Cascade Lakes Highway for the spring and summer season at 10 a.m. Friday, officials said Tuesday.

Paulina Lake Road also will open on Friday, at 8 a.m.

These notes of caution were offered for the Cascade Lakes Highway:

1. Beware of spots of ice that may still exist on the road.

2. Some trailhead and campground accesses may still be blocked with snow.

3. Off road parking is limited between Mt Bachelor and Elk Lake.

4. Parking is not allowed within the travel lanes

5. Check with individual resorts for opening dates.

In order to minimize risk to skiers, the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center will close access to the common corridor once the highway opens. Skiers wanting to access the back country on the Deschutes National Forest, are asked to start their trip from Dutchman Flats snow park or another trail head.

As for the Paulina Lake Road conditions, they offered these cautionary notes:

Beware of spots of ice that may still exist on the road. Some trailheads may still not be accessible. Side roads off of Paulina Lake Road may still be blocked with snow. Check with individual resorts for opening dates.

For more information,contact the Deschutes County Road Department at (541) 388-6581.