Forest Service road 2017 and Pine Mountain Campground reopen in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes National Forest today rescinded the temporary emergency closure of Forest Service Road 2017 and Pine Mountain Campground in Bend. Forest officials recommend that only high-clearance vehicles travel on the road due to extremely rough conditions.

The road and campground had been closed to the public since July 14 following heavy storm damage. Located within the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Forest Service Road 2017 serves as the primary access route to Pine Mountain, the Pine Mountain Observatory and Pine Mountain Campground.

The emergency closure was put in place after a severe rain event in May 2026 caused significant damage to the roadway. The heavy rainfall damaged and displaced buried powerlines, prompting the closure to protect public safety while crews repaired the road and powerline infrastructure.

Multiple washouts occurred along the route during the May rainstorm, creating extremely rough driving conditions. Certain sections remain impassable for low-clearance vehicles. The Forest Service does not currently maintain Forest Service Road 2017 for passenger cars. For additional details, the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District can be reached at 541-383-5300.

The Deschutes National Forest is evaluating opportunities for further road improvements in the future.