Bend in Deschutes County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Oregon's Fabled "High Desert"

Pilot Butte Park

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

1. Pilot Butte Park Marker

Inscription.
This complex ecosystem nurtures a variety of plants and animals.
Vast, sage-covered plains begin at the eastern foot of the Pilot Butte and stretch dramatically to the east and south. This is Oregon’s fabled “High Desert”. The casual traveler is struck by the monotony of the landscape, but closer attention reveals it nurtures complex ecosystems that support a fascinating group of hardy plants and animals unique to the cold deserts of the Northern Great Basin. Western Juniper is the predominant tree while numerous varieties of sagebrush alternate with lush, native bunchgrasses to form a mosaic of plant communities. These plants form the basis for the delicate ecosystems that support the birds, animals, and people that dwell east of the Cascades.

Prior to Euro-American settlement, fire played an important role in the High Desert. Flames would sweep through on average every 20 to 40 years. These frequent fires reduced the numbers of sagebrush and junipers. Bunchgrasses are resilient and were increased by frequent fires. Human impacts over the past 100 years have led to an increase in shrubs and junipers. The

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large number of young junipers on the north flank of Pilot Butte are a result of this. Man’s activities have also led to introduction of noxious weeds, which threaten to replace native species on the Butte and in Central Oregon. Wise management should allow us to maintain the Butte in a relatively natural state. For a closer look at a part of the High Desert ecology, be sure to walk Pilot Butte’s Nature Trail located at the east edge of the summit.

Erected by Oregon State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.

Location. 44° 3.63′ N, 121° 17.004′ W. Marker is in Bend, Oregon, in Deschutes County. It can be reached from Pilot Butte Summit Drive. Marker is located at the Pilot View Scenic Lookout. The park can be reached from Greenwood Avenue (U.S. 20). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bend OR 97701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oregon’s High Desert.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

Directional Sign Approaching the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

2. Directional Sign Approaching the Marker

the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The City of Bend (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Westward Movement" (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica of Bend's First School (approx. 0.3 miles away); O'Donnell Field (approx. 1.1 miles away); Pioneer Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); A.J. Tucker Building (approx. 1.4 miles away); Wright Hotel (approx. 1.4 miles away); Deschutes County Courthouse (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bend.

View From Pilot Butte Scenic Lookout image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

3. View From Pilot Butte Scenic Lookout

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 28, 2009

4. View From Pilot Butte Scenic Lookout

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 668 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. • A view of the desert land to the east of the Butte. • Can you help?