Rising dramatically from the heart of Bend, Oregon, Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint offers one of the most accessible (and rewarding) panoramic views of Central Oregon.
Pilot Butte is popular with the locals and is perfect for first time visitors to Bend as the views are awesome and there are informative plaques at the summit that talk about the region’s volcanic landscape.
This extinct cinder cone is where hikers, joggers, and sunset chasers converge for stunning vistas of Bend with the Cascade Mountains as the backdrop. I would know as I hike Pilot Butte almost every day when I’m not off galavanting the globe.
In this post, I’ll go over what to expect at Pilot Butte and list fun activities to do nearby. Then at the end of the post I’ll add any useful travel guides that will aid you in a planning a trip to Bend and Central Oregon.
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Pilot Butte Hike Quick Stats
- 📍 Location: Bend
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
- 🥾 Distance: 1.8 Miles to Summit and back
- ⏰ Duration: 35 minutes
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Shy of 500 feet
- 💦 Highlights: Views & Interpretive Signs
- 🚻 Restrooms: At the top and bottom of trail
- 💰 Parking Fee: No
- 🍂 Best Season: Open year-round for hiking
Keep scrolling for more details of the Pilot Butte hike in Pilot Butte State Park, Oregon.
How to Get to Pilot Butte Trailhead
Pilot Butte is located smack dab in the middle of Bend. Just type in Pilot Butte on your GPS and be on your way. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the parking lot from downtown Bend.
Parking is free (no permits required) at the base of Pilot Butte. You can hike the mile long nature trail up or drive the 1 mile paved summit road which is open mid April to October.
There are bathrooms and picnic areas at the base by the parking area. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
When is the Best Time to Hike Pilot Butte
No matter the season, us locals agree, the most spectacular views are at dawn or dusk but there’s never a bad time to hike Pilot Butte. I hike it at all times of day – morning, afternoon, and evening.
Pilot Butte summit road is open daily from 10am to 9pm during the summer. Don’t be surprised to see mule deer, chipmunks, and birds of prey as you hike Pilot Butte
The summit road is closed in winter but open year round for hiking. Microspikes may be useful in when hiking in winter depending on the snow.
Practical Trail Information
- 🥾 Distance: 2 Miles round trip
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: 455 feet
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
There are two different trails that lead you to the summit of Pilot Butte. You can follow the road up or stick to the nature trail that corkscrews around to the top.
Pilot Butte Summit
Reaching the summit of Pilot Butte is a Central Oregon must do. If you hike the 1 mile nature trail or drive up the seasonal road, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching in all directions.
From the top, you can see the city of Bend below and a jaw-dropping lineup of volcanic peaks – Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mount Bachelor, and even Mount Hood on a clear day.
It’s a perfect spot to catch epic views and snap photos. It’s one of the best things to do in Bend after all. Interpretive panels help you identify what you’re seeing and share a bit about the butte’s volcanic history.
Sunset Atop Pilot Butte
One of my favorite ways to end the day in Bend is by catching sunset from the top of Pilot Butte. The sun sets directly over Bend and the Cascade Mountains. It’s stunning, but it’s no secret.
Sunset is a popular time to visit, and the summit can get very crowded, especially if you drive to the top. If you have time, I highly recommend hiking up instead. Not only will you avoid the traffic, but you’ll get to enjoy the climb and feel like you’ve truly earned those incredible sunset views.
Pilot Butte Nature Trail
The Nature Trail to the summit of Pilot Butte is 0.9 miles (1.8 miles round trip) and just under 500 feet of elevation gain. It’s a manageable climb, but the first half is noticeably steep.
Though the path is short, it’s a steady uphill trek that will get your heart pumping – perfect for a morning workout or sunset stroll. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Bend and the Cascade Mountains.
The trail is well marked and obvious. There are also benches to take a load off, catch your breath, and take in the views. Shaded areas on this trail stay icy and snowy. It’s best to use the road path during the winter to reach the summit.
Pilot Butte Base Trail
The Pilot Butte Base Trail is a peaceful 1.6 mile loop that circles around the base of the butte, offering an easy hike without the steep climb to the summit.
It’s mostly flat and the trail winds through high desert landscape with juniper trees and sagebrush, giving you great side views of the butte.
It’s much less crowded than the summit trail and is accessible year round – even in winter when snow may cover the upper paths. I usually pair this trail with a hike to the summit if I want to get a few extra miles in.
Things to do Near Pilot Butte
- Grab a beer and a pizza at Ten Barrel Brewing Company.
- Float the Deschuttes River all the way through town.
- Dress up in your favorite cowboy chic and enjoy a dinner at Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge.
- McMenamins Soaking Pool.
- Catch a show at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
- Check out the last remaining Blockbuster.
- Go to a Farmer’s Market.
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
- Go shopping in the Old Mill District.
Other Awesome Hikes Near Pilot Butte
- Misery Ridge Trail – Found in Smith Rock State Park, this trail offers spectacular views of the park’s rugged landscape, towering rock formations, and the Crooked River below.
- Tumalo Falls – 97 foot waterfall located 15 minutes outside of Bend.
- Tumal Mountain – Short but steep climb up for sweeping views.
- South Sister – A challenging hike to the summit of Oregon’s 3rd highest peak.
- Brokentop & No Name Lake – Another challenging trek to the summit and No Name Lake along the way.
- Lava River Cave – Oregon’s longest lava tube that you can explore with headlamps.
🥾 Read Next: 15 Best Hikes in Oregon
Oregon Travel Vlogs
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Bend Oregon Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Oregon? Since moving to Bend, I’ve been having a blast exploring this unreal part of the world. It’s been so much fun writing about it.
Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration and tips to help plan a trip of a lifetime to Central Oregon and the PNW.
Best Things to do in Bend (Local’s Guide)
Where to Stay in Bend
Best Places to Eat in Bend (+Food Trucks)
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