pilot butte

CountryBoy1946

This is a place to go for great food at a reasonable price. My family and I have been going there for years and the food is always delicious, never had a bad meal. Not a lot of space so sometimes you may have to wait to get a table, but always worth the wait!

705gregc

Hey, I'm a local, a Bendite. I even went to the two schools at the base of Pilot Butte. Here's the deal, everyone drives to the top of the butte for the view and you should too. Here's the only thing you need to know, the road is not open year-round. In the winter you'll have to take the trail up and around the butte to see the view. If the weither is nice, and you can handle a mile, uphill, your fine. The parking lot for the hike is futher than the summit road. Keep going, it's the first left after the butte off of Hwy. 20 East. Follow the signs. Welcome to Bend!

mathmagican

The hike is a slow incline so just about any one can make it to the top. It might take quite a bit longer than the "fastest to the top" records posted at the base of the hike, but even our two year old made it to the top. There is a nice view and lots of seating if you bring a picnic. There are no fees at the park - even for parking. So it makes for an economical excursion.

NanEdKirkland

Wonderful view from the top of all the snowcapped mountains and the entire high desert area of Bend. You can drive or walk. We've done both. It's a great walk if you are in good shape as it is all up hill-steep. If you you visit in the summer and decide to walk do it in the early morning as it does get hot walking.

southbysoutheast

If the kids aren't big enough to hike up the trail you'll have to bring a carrier but the hike is easy and the views are incredible.

DoriandNimo

Pilot Butte has two path - a paved road and beaten path. The road is easier but still a challenge to hike. It can also be use to drive up if your goal is to just go to the top and look over the city of Bend. The Path is more challenging and runs along the outside of the Butte. Many of Bend's locals use both trails to keep in shape hiking or jogging the Butte on a daily basis.

LavaEdge

From the top of the butte you can see everything. It is about a 20 minute walk from the parking lot. It is still FREE. Everyone dose this from age 2 to 92. There are signs with bits of history and on a clear day, you can even see Mt Hood, about 90 miles away.

Widlfire

What a place to go to get a view of the surrounding countryside! It is a perfect 360 degree vista spot in Bend. Snow capped mountains, desert, extinct volcanos, junipers galore! Just wait until they shoot fireworks from the top! The most exciting part of the fireworks is the brush fire that usually starts somewhere on the butte!

SunshineHeart

The thing I like about Pilot Butte is The Top! Drive up there and get an insane view! Walk up there and get an insane workout!Kids on hand? Yeah, they'll get a workout worth of a great afternoon nap!Don't forget the park at the base of The Butte!

okeedoke

We walked up Pilot Butte this month in unseasonably warm weather. No snow! The road was closed to vehicles for winter, but the trek up the butte was invigorating and the the view from the top can't be beat. This is a highlight of any trip to Bend. On the Fourth of July the Butte is the center point for fireworks. Don't miss it!

nicolekg

Pilot Butte is a great little hike. It is very doable for all ages and fitness levels. The trail is very nice most of the way up. Near the top you just walk on the road... but drivers yield to hikers. I went with a friend and we took turns pushing the stroller, and had no problems. The view from the top is a great way to familiarize yourself with Bend.

michaellG5574GL

We got a good workout in about 45 minutes. the view from the top was great. The trailhead was only about a 5 min drive from the hotel.

Wsity101

Really enjoyed the trail up with my dog. Great views and educational boards. Well worth it!! There are restaurants close by as well as shops. Very convenient to get a quick hike in!

christinez645

This is a great hike up the butte with stunning views of all the mountain ranges nearby. The road is closed during the winter months but you can park at the base and hike up on the trail which has views the entire way up. The brass plaque at the summit tells you exactly what mountains you are looking at which is a huge help for non-locals. Wait for a clear day and you will see for miles!

spankyandsarah

I'm not much for skiing or snowboarding, but I love the outdoors, so when my crew took off for the slopes I wanted to find something outdoorsy to do on my own. A local friend told me about Pilot Butte so I hit the trail for a snowy, blue-sky Bend day. It's a nice, easy 2-mile loop with a decent elevation gain that will get the heart pumping. But, the real reward comes up top where you get a glimpse of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters. The hike is just on the outskirts of town with good signage and accessability.