- Located right in Bend, Pilot Butte is on the east side of town on NE Greenwood Avenue.
- Hike to the summit for spectacular views of several Cascade peaks.
- Named in 1851, Pilot Butte is an extinct volcano with an elevation of 4,142 feet.
- Bend is one of few U.S. cities that has a volcano within its boundaries.
Overview
Pilot Butte is one of Central Oregon’s many cinder cones. Designated as a state park, Pilot Butte provides locals and visitors an excellent place to hike and view several snowcapped Cascade peaks. These include Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack, Broken Top, Black Butte, and Mt. Bachelor. Pale green sagebrush and dark green juniper trees dot the landscape of Pilot Butte State Park.
Location & Information
Pilot Butte State Park is located right in Bend, on the east side of town off NE Greenwood Avenue (Highway 20). The summit road is closed during the winter.
Contact Information: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, State Parks, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. Phone: 800-551-6949. Visit the website here.
Activities
- Hiking – There are three trails in the park that lead to the summit of Pilot Butte. The elevation gain is just under 500 feet. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails. The summit boasts panoramic views of Bend and Central Oregon.
Fun Facts
- Pilot Butte is an extinct volcano with an elevation of 4,142 feet and a prominence of 480 feet. Thomas Clark, one of the first European settlers, gave the cinder cone its name back in 1851.
- Only a few other U.S. cities, such as Honolulu, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon, have volcanoes within their city limits.
- On the 4th of July, fireworks are set off from Pilot Butte by the City of Bend.
