This bronze thing helps viewers identify prominent geographical features, both near and far. It's located in the middle of the viewing area on top of the Butte.
If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you know I like to research name origins and include my findings here. However, my previous post on Pilot Butte's name origin was not researched. In fact, it's pure fiction. I opted to create a credible name origin history, then see if it came close to the real thing. It did not.
The Butte was actually named in 1851 by the leader of the first wagon train to stop here. I assume the pilot connection was referencing its use as the landmark near a good place to ford the Deschutes River.
The Cascade Cycling Classic was held here last week. The guys above are part of an 8-man team that rode their bikes to the top of Pilot Butte between races just for the heck of it. It's a steep road to the top; I darn sure wouldn't have made it. Not sure which mountain is in the background, Jefferson perhaps.
As cinder cones go, Pilot Butte is unremarkable - not very high, not very conical. It's within the Bend city limits, 1 of 4 US cities with volcanoes; the others are Portland, OR; Jackson, MS; and Twentynine Palms, CA.
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