🌤 Weather at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–66 °F | 42–84 °F | 28–76 °F | 23–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bend, 0 mi away, elevation 3,660 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is a public state park in Oregon near Bend in Deschutes County. Spanning 114 acres and established in 1928, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Bend |
| County | Deschutes County |
| Park Size | 114 acres |
| Established | 1928 |
Location & Getting There
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is located near Bend, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 44.0606, -121.2833.
Things to Do
Oregon’s state parks showcase the Pacific Northwest at its finest — from towering sea stacks and tide pools along 362 miles of public coastline to ancient forests of the Coast Range, volcanic Cascade peaks, and high desert canyonlands east of the mountains. Popular activities include hiking through old-growth forests and along dramatic ocean bluffs, tide pooling at rocky shores, beachcombing for agates and fossils, camping at oceanfront sites, kayaking and paddleboarding on mountain lakes, fishing for steelhead and salmon, mountain biking volcanic singletrack, rock climbing at Smith Rock, and cross-country skiing on Cascade passes. Oregon’s waterfalls — including Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls — are among the most spectacular in the western United States.
Best Time to Visit
Oregon’s west side (coast and valleys) is wettest from November through March, making June through September the prime outdoor season with warm, dry weather. The coast can be enjoyed year-round — winter brings dramatic storms, whale watching (gray whales migrate December–January), and uncrowded beaches. Eastern Oregon and high desert parks enjoy more sunshine but can be extremely hot in summer. Cascade mountain parks are best visited July through October, when snow clears from trails. Spring brings the famous wildflower blooms in the Columbia River Gorge and waterfall season at Silver Falls. Fall foliage peaks in October, particularly along the McKenzie River and in the Cascades.
Visitor Tips
Oregon state parks are free to enter on foot or by bike. Pilot Butte does not charge a day-use parking fee. At the Oregon state parks that do, vehicles need a permit — $60/year or $10/day for Oregon residents, $12/day or $75/year for non-residents — sold at park fee machines or online. Oregon’s entire coastline is public by law — you always have the right to walk on the beach. Camping reservations are made through the Oregon State Parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance. Coastal campgrounds (especially at Cape Lookout and Nehalem Bay) book up fast for summer. Cell coverage is spotty on the coast and absent in remote Cascade parks.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Pilot Butte SSV — a 4,138-foot volcanic cinder cone rising 500 feet above Bend. The summit offers 360-degree panoramic views of 10 Cascade peaks including Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and the Three Sisters. Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and ground squirrels inhabit the butte.
Nearby Attractions
Bend — surrounding — outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. Mount Bachelor — 20 miles west. Deschutes River — through Bend.
More parks nearby: Tumalo State Park is a short drive away, while Tumalo Falls lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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