McKenzie Pass is a mountain pass in the Cascade Range in central Oregon, United States.It is located at the border of Linn and Deschutes counties, approximately 20 mi northwest of Bend, between the Three Sisters to the south and Mt. Washington to the north. Oregon Route 242 passes over the pass.At the summit of the pass, Oregon Route 242 crosses a 65sqmi lava flow just west of Sisters. Surrounded by lava, the Dee Wright Observatory was constructed in 1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps workers and named after their foreman. Visitors climb to the observatory to view the Cascade peaks visible from McKenzie Pass. Also near the summit is Clear Lake, a renowned location for fresh-water diving.Highway 242 is not recommended for large trucks, trailers or motor homes due to numerous tight switchbacks. The pass is closed from November to July due to snow.Discover how to plan a Sisters trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.
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McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass loop Reviews
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This is a beautiful drive with plenty to see. Lava flows, Clear Lake, Shahalie Falls, and just beauty all around. Part of this drive is windy, and there no restaurants, so pack a lunch and enjoy! more »
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If you have time for a Scenic Drive this is definitely something you should put on your list... there is a lot of history on this Trail and it has several great picture opportunities. It will be inter... more »
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This a great place to visit with the kids. Lots of scenic views to watch. And lava flows, that show off the natural history of the past. It takes you back to a time where lava ruled the land. more »
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Enter into another world at this lava strewn summit. Black, chunky lava covers almost everything, except islands of forest that escaped the hot burial. Snow capped Three Sisters rise high in the south. Belknap Crater to the north can be reached by trail. The Dee Wright Observatory gives you choice views. And wander out on a trail that tours the eratic lava field.
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The McKinsey wagon Road. Puff puff pass
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A beautiful mountain pass with PCT access & spacey lava beds
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Best things to do in Sisters
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Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Sisters
Visit for: 2h 30min
Clear Lake
Sisters
Visit for: 2h 30min
City of Sisters
Sisters
Visit for: 30min
Side Trips
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Smith Rock State Park
Redmond
Visit for: 3h
Trail to Benham Falls
Sunriver
Visit for: 2h 30min
Oregon Observatory at Sunriver
Sunriver
Visit for: 2h
Hidden Gems
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Proxy Falls
Sisters
Visit for: 2h 30min
Hoodoo Ski Area
Sisters
Visit for: 4h
Black Butte Ranch - Big Meadow Golf Course
Sisters
Visit for: 3h 30min
Nearby
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Shibui Spa
Sisters
Visit for: 2h
Sisters Movie House
Sisters
Visit for: 2h
The Open Door
Sisters
Visit for: 2h 30min
Plans to McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass loop by other users
22 days in Oregon
BY A USER FROM CANADA
September, popular
PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular
PACE: Medium
1 day in Sisters
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
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PACE: Medium
27 days in Oregon
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12 days in Newport, Portland & Bend
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PREFERENCES: July, culture, relaxing, beaches, museums, shopping, wildlife
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PACE: Medium
60 days in Pacific Northwest
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September, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, slow & easy, popular
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PACE: Slow & easy
4 days in Bend
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July, popular
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31 days in Pacific Northwest
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7 days in Central Oregon
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PACE: Medium
34 days in Oregon
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June, outdoors, relaxing, slow & easy, popular
PREFERENCES: June, outdoors, relaxing
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PACE: Slow & easy
7 days in Sunriver
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August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
15 days in Oregon
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
July, popular
PREFERENCES: July
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular
PACE: Medium
29 days in Oregon
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Slow & easy
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