McKenzie/Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
A Journey Through the Passes. Look both ways while crossing. These two connecting Cascade passes travel among 10,000-foot peaks, over jagged lava flows, along playful rivers, and through old-growth stands in two national forests. This incredible loop can easily be driven in a few hours. Unless, of course, you happen to have your camera, hiking boots, fishing pole or tent in the car.
1.
Saddle Up in Sisters
This Byway is accessible from cities west of the Cascades. But the place to begin is on the east side in Sisters. This little town will enchant you with Western ambiance and knockout views of the Three Sisters peaks. Rustle up a picnic lunch, fill your tank, and head west past llama ranches on Oregon Route 242, ascending into the Deschutes National Forest.
2.
McKenzie Pass
The road follows an 1860s wagon route, emerging from the forest at Windy Point for a view of Mt. Washington and a 65-square-mile lava flow. When you reach 5,325-foot McKenzie Pass, you're literally surrounded by lava. Climb up to the Dee Wright Observatory and take in the panorama of six Cascade peaks. Then explore Lava River Trail, a half-mile loop through lava gutters and crevasses.
3.
The Downhill Side
Continuing west, catch more breathtaking glimpses of North and Middle Sister as you descend into the Willamette National Forest. A side road leads to picnic areas at Scott Lake, where glassy waters reflect the peaks. Nine miles west of the summit, Deadhorse Grade drops nearly 1,200 feet in less than four miles. After a series of hairpin turns, look for the Proxy Falls Trailhead and hike the short loop to these ethereal cascades.
4.
The Mighty McKenzie
Oregon Route 242 ends at Oregon Route 126, a mile-and-a-half from the McKenzie Bridge Ranger Station, the Byway's west portal. From here, the Byway overlaps the West Cascades Scenic Byway north along the "Wild and Scenic" McKenzie River.
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail follows the river for 26 miles. An excellent access point is from Ice Cap Campground, near graceful Koosah Falls and thundering Sahalie Falls.
Up the road, Clear Lake is the source of the McKenzie. Fed by numerous springs, it clearly lives up to its name and attracts anglers to its rustic resort.
5.
Suddenly Santiam
A few miles north of Clear Lake, Oregon Route 126 joins with U.S. Route 20 and Oregon Route 22, and heads back to Sisters. Near Santiam Pass, you'll see a side road to Hoodoo Ski Area. From December through March, Hoodoo features downhill and cross-country skiing. In warmer months, the side road continues to Big Lake, a popular recreation area with a dramatic view of Mt. Washington. Shortly beyond the Hoodoo turnoff, the Byway crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and 4,817-foot Santiam Pass.
6.
Sliding Down to Sisters
The eastern Cascade foothills are alive with recreational activities. Suttle Lake Resort welcomes boaters, windsurfers and fishermen. Farther down, another side road heads to Camp Sherman, where you can relax at the resort and fly-fish the Metolius River, which emerges full-force from underground springs near the base of Black Butte.
Cruising down the highway again, the 6,436-foot cone of Black Butte is just ahead on the left. From here, it's an easy eight-mile drive back to the town of Sisters.
For more information, contact the Central Oregon Visitors Association at 800-800-8334, the Eugene/Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon at 800-547-5445, the Sisters Ranger District at 541-549-2111, or the McKenzie Ranger District at 541-822-3381.