The Forest Service Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District has announced that they are starting the planning process for constructing a paved path from the US97 Knott/Baker interchange at the south edge of Bend to the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The proposed path would connect with the Sun-Lava Trail at the visitor center creating a paved non-motorized connection all the way to Sun River. The (attached) scoping notice released by the Forest Service shows a route on the west side of US97 with two possible alignments where Lava Butte abuts US97.
The Forest Service planning scope extends from the northern boundary of the Deschutes National Forest (approximately ½ mile south of the Knott /Baker interchange) south to Lava Lands. ODOT is responsible for planning the section from the NF boundary north to the Knott/Baker interchange.