Deschutes County snowplows have cleared high-elevation roads and final preparations are underway for highway gate openings, allowing public access to Paulina Lake and the Cascades Lakes Highway.

The highway to Paulina Lake is expected to open Wednesday. The gate giving access to the Cascades Lakes Highway near Mt. Bachelor ski area is expected to open May 21. Gates for both highways open at 8 a.m.

The southern portion of the Cascades Lakes Highway is already open. This route allows access to Little Lava Lake. To reach the southern portions of the highway from Bend, travel via S. Century Drive and Burgess Road.

Chris Doty, director of the Deschutes County Road Department, said several feet of snow is still piled up on the side of the Cascades Lakes Highway at higher elevations, but he anticipates melting will accelerate this week with forecast temperatures in the mid-60s on Mount Bachelor.

Maintenance work is occurring this week on the highway, including road striping. Gate opening is also timed to coincide with operations conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and resorts in the Cascade Lakes area.

The highway gives access to popular lakes in the area, including Elk, Todd and Devils lakes.

Doty adds that the county prefers to open the highway gate after the Pole Pedal Paddle, which brings lots of bicycle activity on Century Drive between Bend and Mt. Bachelor ski area. This year, the PPP is scheduled for Saturday.

“If we can delay opening until after that race, it makes it easier to keep traffic out of there during that portion of the event. It’s a little safer for everyone,” said Doty.

Doty said snow at higher elevations could delay access to some trailheads.

“There needs to be some melt off. But there is sun in the forecast, some heat. When it starts to go, it doesn’t take too long,” he said.

Lisa Machnik, the Deschutes National Forest recreation, heritage and lands staff officer, said the agency performs site inspections at all developed recreation sites — parking lots, trailheads, day-use areas and boat docks/ramps — as they become accessible.

Because many areas are still covered in snow, many sites won’t be ready for visitors when the gates open. Early season work includes hazardous tree assessments, debris cleanup from winter, and facility cleanup or repair work.

“We prioritize this work across the forest based on access and availability of resources,” said Machnik.

While some sites may be accessible early in the season as they become reachable by vehicle, the Forest Service does not officially open a site until it has been inspected and all hazards have been mitigated.

“Even though it may be warm and dry at lower elevations, mountain snowpack is still significant in many areas, especially as people venture beyond the pavement and onto trails,” said Machnik. “All visitors should be aware of and prepared for early-season conditions.”