Pine Mountain

CN93ms

(Updated October 22, 2001 )

General.   Richard, W7YES, provided the following information in October 2001:

There's a primitive campground at the top and an Observatory run by the University of Oregon http://pmo-sun.uoregon.edu/~pmo/  Most of the mountain top is really "in the trees"  There are a couple of locations that you can drive to and get good 180 degree openings, but rarely an unobstructed 360 degree view. 

If you're willing to hike up a short trail, about 100 yards, there's a completely clear spot on the tip top of the mountain that has a 360 degree view.  From the looks of the clearing, the observatory holds "star parties" and classes at this location.  I should mention, there's another mountain top in the same immediate area (off the same access road) that has some antennas on it, I think it's a little lower than Pine Mtn.  I didn't check it out -- just followed the road toward the higher ground.  BTW: The road in is very good (graded with a nice washboard effect) clearly marked to the observatory.

Driving Instructions:  7 miles off hwy 20, S.E. of Bend.  Snow cat required in January.