Cascade Lakes Highway opens, giving locals and visitors access to countless trails and over a dozen lakes

(Update: Fun new video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After a record winter and nearly eight feet of snow piling up on the Cascade Lakes Highway, the beloved scenic route opened Thursday morning, giving Central Oregonians access to lakes, trails, and camping.

One of our loyal viewers, Craig Brightwell, sent in videos of him and his dog Canyon enjoying Cultus Lake. It's one of over a dozen lakes now available to access, just a short drive from Bend.

The 66-mile highway starts in Bend and runs southwest to Crescent in Klamath County.

The Oregon Department of Transportation maintains the highway and usually opens it from Memorial Day Weekend through late October or November.