Work to begin on new trailhead, parking area west of Bend

The Deschutes National Forest will be closing the area informally known as ‘Good Dog’ just outside of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway, starting next Monday, in order to build a new trailhead and parking area..

Construction of the new Rimrock Trailhead and parking area will close the existing informal parking lot beginning Monday and continuing through November 30.

The new trailhead will serve as a connection point from the city of Bend to the Deschutes National Forest. It will feature a graveled parking area and kiosks with visitor information and interpretive signs and connect the Bend Park and Recreation District Haul Road to the new Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, including an entry point for a non-motorized paved path currently under construction.

Officials said the current parking area as it is constructed presents safety issues for drivers, pedestrians and dogs. “The new design will address those issues, making it a safer environment for the public and creating accessible parking and entrance opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” officials said Friday

This is the first phase of the project, which will resume in the fall of 2017 with paving of the path and surfacing of the parking area with gravel.

While construction is going on, trails will remain open but the public is encouraged to access them from a different area. Parking along Cascade Lakes Highway is strongly discouraged while the area is under construction for the safety of those utilizing the trails and traveling along the highway.