News and Closures

Winter Road Closures

These high elevation forest highways are closed annually in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to provide for winter recreation opportunities.

Deschutes County provides maintenance on these highways via an easement agreement with the USFS.  It is not uncommon for road side snow accumulation to exceed 5 to 10 feet at the road summit.  Continual snow/ice maintenance of these road segments is cost prohibitive. 

Please check Road Department website (www.deschutes.org/road) for updates in advance of opening and closing target dates. 

Current Status of Winter Road Closures

Cascade Lakes Highway

As of April 17, 2025, the southern portion is OPEN, the northern portion remains CLOSED. 

Please refer to the map for further detail found here:  >Cascade Lakes<

Paulina Lake Road

As of  April 17, 2025, Paulina Lake Road (Forest Service Road 21) is CLOSED.  

See map here:  >Paulina<

In cooperation with the USFS, the Road Department closes a portion of the Cascade Lakes Highway (Dutchman Flat to Klamath County) and Paulina Lake Road (Newberry Road to East Lake) from approximately mid-November to Memorial Day weekend of each year.  Significant winter snow accumulation may hinder efforts to guarantee opening of these facilities by Memorial Day weekend.

For additional information, please contact the Deschutes County Road Department at (541) 388-6581.