Just on the east side of Bend, this short hike climbs rapidly up a small butte to a great viewpoint of Bend and the surrounding high desert of Central Oregon. Bend is an outdoor-friendly town, and in-town hike is a great way to end a day after a couple of beers at one of the many breweries in town.
Sunset from Pilot Butte
It is hard to say how long this hike is. Several trails wrap around the butte, and, depending on where you start the hike, your time and length is going to vary. We parked on the east side of the butte, which is the only parking lot open in the winter, but a west side parking lot may be accessible in the summer.
The climb is a fairly short scramble up the butte, and it can get rather steep if you are not fit. On the other hand, if you are fit, you will find this a fairly easy hike. In fact, lots of locals use it as a place to exercise.
Bend town from Pilot Butte
Whatever your goal, if you have an hour or two to spare in Bend, you would be hard pressed to find a better view of the town or of this part of the state.
Map of Pilot Butte, on the east side of Bend