About
ODOT, in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest, is building a new paved path for walking and biking along U.S. 97. The path will connect the south end of Bend to the Lava Lands Visitor Center, where it will tie into the existing Sun Lava Path that currently runs from Sunriver to the Lava Lands Visitor Center. Together, these connections will create a continuous, safe pedestrian and bicycle route linking the south end of Bend to Sunriver, while providing access to a range of recreational destinations throughout the area.
Project Phases
Phase 1 (Construction begins Spring 2027)
This section will start near Lava Butte Visitor Center on the west side of the highway. It will travel north, connect to a pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 97, and continue to the High Desert Museum on the east side of the highway.
Phase 2 (Construction begins Spring 2028)
The second phase will extend the path north from the High Desert Museum along the east side of the highway, ending at Knott Road. This phase will be built as part of the U.S. 97 Romaine Village Way to Lava Butte Project beginning Spring 2028.
Click here for more information about the U.S. 97 Romaine Village Way to Lave Butte Project.
Location
U.S. 97
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Baker/Knott Road intersection south of Bend to Lava Butte
Cost and Funding
This project was awarded planning, design and construction funds from the Federal Lands Access Program.
Estimated project cost through construction: $8.2 million
Benefits
This project will make it safer and easier for people to use trails near the towns of Bend and Sunriver. The new path will connect popular places like the High Desert Museum, Lava Butte, Lava Lands Visitor Center, and the Deschutes River. It will also link to the Sun Lava Path, which connects Sunriver to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
What Problem Will This Improve?
There are currently no safe ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel between Bend and Lava Butte. This trail will create new connections for bicyclists and pedestrians between these destinations.
Additional Information
ODOT and the U. S. Forest Service completed a study for the U.S. 97 multi-use trail alignment in winter 2020. It was determined that a path between Knott Road and the Forest Service boundary was the best option after considering user experience, private property impacts, and disturbed area.