Bend’s Pilot Butte summit road reopens
(Update: Summit access road opens earlier than planned)
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department opened the gate for vehicle access to the summit of Bend’s Pilot Butte Friday afternoon after its winter season closure.
An official said the gate was expected to open around 4 p.m., but cars were able to go up to the scenic summit of the 4,140-foot extinct volcano earlier in the afternoon, since it was ready to happen.
The gate will open at around 10 a.m. each day throughout the season, weather and road conditions permitting. The gate closure time is 8 p.m. and is subject to change as the days get longer.
“There is heavy pedestrian traffic along the summit road,” said Pilot Butte Scenic Viewpoint Manager Susan Bethers. “We’d like to remind drivers to please obey the posted 20 mph speed limit, and be careful as they drive around the blind curves. Pedestrians should use either the walking path on the outer edge of the road or the nature trail.”
Information is also on the department’s website: www.oregonstateparks.org. Search for Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and click the “Advisory” header.
All vehicles must leave the summit and summit road by the gate closure time. The summit road closes each winter, but the eastside parking area remains open, allowing year-round access to the butte’s hiking trails.
