The parking lot at the summit of Skinner Butte Park is closed due to fire danger, city of Eugene officials said in a news release Tuesday, June 2.

The parking lot and paved summit road will remain closed to motorized vehicles until sometime in October.

Skinner Butte has a history of illegal fireworks activity and brush fires, particularly in the summer, the news release from Eugene Parks and Open Space said.

In 2024 and 2025, the city closed the summit lot during fire season. This year’s closure, requested by Eugene Springfield Fire, comes about three weeks earlier than the 2025 closure.

The butte’s steep slopes and its proximity to city parks, residential neighborhoods and the historic Shelton McMurphey Johnson House exacerbate the dangers of any wildfire, the press release said. And despite fuel reduction efforts, dry grasses, shrubs and mature trees are highly susceptible to ignition during the summer, the release added.

The summit will still be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists (no e-motorcycles). Numerous trails lead to the summit in addition to the paved road.