Road to summit of Pilot Butte opens Thursday

A true sign of spring: The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will open the gate for vehicle access to the summit of Bend’s Pilot Butte at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

The agency said the gate will open at approximately 10 a.m. each day, weather and road conditions permitting. The gate closure time is 8 and is subject to change as the days get longer.

“There is heavy pedestrian traffic along the summit road,” Park Manager Joe Wanamaker said in Tuesday’s announcement. “We remind drivers to obey the posted 20 mph speed limit, and use caution 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 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.