Even with a relatively mild winter in Central Oregon, officials say there’s no assurance that the Cascade Lakes Highway will reopen ahead of its usual schedule.
The highway, along with Paulina Lake Road, is typically closed during winter months and reopens around mid-May. These seasonal closures allow the Deschutes County Road Department to prioritize maintenance on higher-traffic routes during colder months.
Although snowfall levels may be lower this year, county officials caution that road conditions alone don’t determine reopening timelines. Any decision to lift closures early depends on coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and local resort operators, who require adequate time to prepare for visitor access.
Authorities are advising the public to stay updated through official county communication channels for any changes regarding the reopening schedule.
Popular destinations accessed via the route—such as Todd Lake and Elk Lake—will remain inaccessible by vehicle until the highway officially reopens.
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