Overall Route Rating
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4.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.5
10 Reviews

McKenzie Hwy

Motorcycle Route Author

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By ruffjeepster (7 McR Points) on Nov 18, 2011

Rider Reviews

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The Shadow Knows
July 30, 2012
I started in Spingfield and headed east on 126.…
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Guest
July 12, 2012
Short, but too much fun! Truly a unique route…
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Written Directions

Start at junction on Oregon State Highways 126 and 242 just West of Belknap Springs, Oregon. Follow Hwy 242 East stay on 242 until Sisters, Oregon

Scenery

Dense evergreen forests open up into mountain pass surrounded by volcanoes. Maybe the only place in the US outside of Hawaii you drive through a lava flow field. Incredible black lava flow fields with high alpine pine trees fighting to survive in sanitized landscape. On the pass you are surrounded by volcanic cinder cones and mountains some covered year round with snow.

Drive Enjoyment

Highway speed limit is very slow 35mph to 45 mph in most places, with gravel sliding off hillsides onto inside corner on the assent. However the views are well worth the extra time, you don't want to go much faster anyway because the scenery is so stunning. Pavement surface is excellent because there is so little traffic and the road is open half the year or less.

Tourism Opportunities

At the top of the pass there is a observation point build out of lava/basalt rock. All the surrounding peaks are identified by peering through holes in the walls of the observation building. There are outhouses at this stop and trail heads for hiking paths through the lava fields. No gas/food or amenities the entire route. Gas up somewhere along hwy 126 or if your leaving from Sisters gas up there.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Road only open seasonally.
 

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Guest
April 11, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
A great ride, rode it 4 years ago and still enjoy the memories of that morning
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dbower
November 30, 2019
12 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Loved this road, surprised it is not ranked higher. The elevation limits the time of year the road is open. The narrow twisties up through the trees are great fun, though it’s not something you want to break speed records on. Riding through the lava fields was like being on another planet.
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Infectious Butthole
October 1, 2020
15 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I came from the westside out of Eugene. There is a lava observatory at the top high elevation and a great stop about halfway to Bend. The west side is very technical, 15 to 25 mph blind curves, great road surface but occasional gravel. Little traffic and they let you pass. The east side is higher speeds into Bend, many places to eat drink once you get down elevation towards Bend
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