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

McKenzie Hwy

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

Rider Reviews

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Guest
July 12, 2012
Short, but too much fun! Truly a unique route…
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cbx4evr
11 McR Points
June 24, 2012
Another awesome road defeated by the mighty…
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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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March 9, 2022
62 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Another on must ride list it unique and scenic. The volcanic stone observatory and the views from it are alone worth the trip. No tourist facilities but not far from Bend which is a good base for some great riding in the area.
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MotoForever
July 8, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Cars tend to let you pass quickly. The lookout point at the summit is nice and you can see far when the weather permits (typical). There are volcanic rocks to tall tree forests. You'll curve thru the rocks as well as thru trees. Watch for occasional gravel that was kicked up on tight turns, but for the most part, this road is in great condition. There are people camping and hiking on the west side, but the signs are clear and give ample warning. Two up can be tricky on a couple of tight switchback turns, but don't sweat it. I rate this as easy to slightly intermediate when two up. We went thru in early June and glad that the road was open. It can be closed for snow thru mid June.
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AgentYYJ
November 26, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Did this ride in August 2013. Rode East to West. Very little traffic, road condition was good with no debris, scenery was spectacular. Like a couple others have said, make time to stop and explore the view at the lava fields.
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