Joe Kline / The Bulletin file photoSusan Crosby, of Bend, hikes with her dog, Lily, on the nature trail to the summit of Pilot Butte.

Officials at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint will hold a public meeting to discuss trail restoration and erosion from so-called rogue trails up the butte.

Ross Kihs, the district manager for Oregon State Parks in Bend, will lead the meeting to discuss issues with increasing numbers of people using the butte and guidelines for volunteer groups working in the area.

The meeting will be at noon Thursday at the picnic shelter at the base of Pilot Butte.

Rogue trails have been a problem for 15 to 20 years but are more prevalent today, according to Kihs. The unwanted trails have caused erosion, particularly on the northeast side. This makes it hard for native plants to grow, Kihs said, while creating inviting conditions for unwanted noxious weeds.

The park has 9 miles of designated hiking trails — the trail to the top following the summit road, the nature trail up the butte and the trail around the base.

Last year and this year, Oregon State Parks spent $25,000 on erosion repair work in 15 locations around Pilot Butte, including some rogue trails. Starting in September, the state plans to conduct a two-year study about the trail network at Pilot Butte and the road to the summit. While the $250,000 study focuses on safety improvement, it might also address rogue trails.

“There has to be more accountability for what’s going on out there,” said Tom Hamilton, a member of the Pilot Butte Partners volunteer group. “There’s a lot of people with a lot of passion for that landmark.”

— Reporter: 541-617-7837,

aspegman@bendbulletin.com