Mt. Bachelor proposes improvements to Northwest Express lift; Forest Service reviewing plans, seeks comments

(Update: Added video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Mt. Bachelor is seeking U.S. Forest Service approval of a future modernization of its Northwest Express chairlift, and the agency said Friday it’s seeking public comments about those plans.

The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest is initiating environmental analysis for the work, which includes replacing the lift’s electric drive components and safety switches, as well as replacing two operator shacks and increasing chair storage.

The high-speed quad-chair lift is the resort’s longest, at 8,377 feet, and rises 2,365 feet from bottom to top, a ride estimated at 8 1/2 minutes. Its electric motor was rebuilt in the summer of 2023.

The project web page is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=67446

In his scoping letter, District Ranger Kevin Stock said they are seeking comments by March 25.

A Forest Service decision on the proposal is expected in June, with work possibly starting a year later.

Anyone wishing to obtain additional information on the projects can contact Kellie Roussos by email at
kellie.roussos@usda.gov.