DESCRIPTION:
Pilot Butte Cinder Cone, Oregon

PilotButte84_pilot_butte_bend_oregon_10-01-84.jpg
Pilot Butte, located north of Bend, Oregon, as seen from Highway 97.
USGS Photograph taken on October 1, 1984, by Lyn Topinka.
[medium size] ... [large size] ... [TIF Format, 25 M] ...

Come and explore an old cinder cone located just east of Bend. Hike up and around on one of three trails. The trails wind through stands of juniper and sage. All of the trails lead to the summit. Once at the top, get ready for a grand panoramic view of the high desert. To the west at sunset, the glow of snowcapped Cascade mountains put on a spectacular show. Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, Black Butte and Mount Hood are some of the highlights. Bring something to quench your thirst after the climb; there's no drinking water at the park.

Pilot Butte: A cinder cone at the east city limits at Bend. Visible from its easily accessible top are the snow peaks of the Cascade Range (listed from the north): Mount Hood, 11,235 feet; Mount Jefferson, 10,495 feet; Three-Fingered Jack, 7,848 feet; Mount Washington, 7,802 feet; North Sister, 10,094 feet; Middle Sister, 10,053 feet; South Sister, 10,354 feet; Broken Top, 9, 165 feet; and Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Area, 9,600 feet.

The perfectly symmetrical cinder cone that dominates Bend is a fine example of the region's geological past offering itself to the present day. Pilot Butte has served as a distinctive landmark since the region was inhabited by aboriginal tribes. Today, Pilot Butte State Park presents a picture-perfect panorama of snow-capped Cascade peaks.

Return to:
[Pilot Butte Menu] ...
[Pilot Butte "Visit A Volcano" Menu] ...
[Oregon Volcanoes and Volcanics Menu] ...
[Cinder Cones Menu] ...