Deschutes County Road Department sets winter closure date for Cascade Lakes Highway, Paulina Lake Road

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Road Department, in partnership with the U. S. Forest Service, said Monday it will close Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, unless early-season snowfall prompts a shift in plans.

The high-elevation forest roadways are closed every winter, the announcement said.

The county maintains both roadways. Snow at the summits can exceed 5-10 feet, making continual snow and ice maintenance too costly.

The county said Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road will remain closed until the Road Department removes the snow that accumulates during winter and early spring. Typically, both roadways reopen before Memorial Day, weather permitting.

*Please note: The roads may be closed earlier if there are significant weather events before Nov. 18. Check the Deschutes County Road Department website for updates.