Horse Butte stands on the boundary between southeast Bend, Oregon, and the Deschutes National Forest. Up until a few years ago, the extinct volcano rendered red cinders used to spread on icy roads in the winter. Now amidst reclamation efforts, the distinctive geographic feature offers a spectacular 360 degree view from its 400-foot-high summit. Hike the steep, rugged trail up the west side, or ride the horse trails on the public lands surrounding the butte. An old growth Ponderosa stands at the summit, having survived centuries of lightning strikes, high winds and harsh winter storms.
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