McKenzie Pass (Road)
Length: Approx. 29.5 miles
Elevation: 2,300
Difficulty: Moderate
Surface: Paved (chip sealed) road with light traffic, and with paved 3’ shoulders from Sisters to Crossroads (about 2 miles)
Description: If Three Creek road and Greenridge (see below) aren't enough for you climbers out there, there's always the out and back ride west from Sisters to the McKenzie Pass on Hwy 242, although the traffic can sometimes be considerable. Arguably one of the most beautiful rides in Central Oregon, the route transitions from the Ponderosa forests around Sisters, through lodgepole and fir forests, past Windy Point, to the open, often windswept lava flows at McKenzie Pass with stunning vistas of the Three Sisters in one direction and Mount Jefferson in the other. This 32 mile scenic route consists of some 4 miles of constant climbing before Windy Point, for a total elevation gain of 2,143' at the pass. At the top, in the midst of extensive lava fields and Cascade peaks, you'll find the interesting rock-constructed Dee Wright Observatory for a chance to take a break and stretch your legs. Spring (typically until mid June) riding is some of the best there is, when the road above the snow gate (9 miles from Sisters) is relatively clear but still closed to motorized traffic – giving cyclists miles of beautiful, traffic-free riding. Check with ODOT Region 4 around June for road conditions and the scheduled opening of the gates. Watch for rocks in the spring before the road is officially open. Cyclists can continue past the Observatory for a descent to Scott Lake (which adds about 12 miles to the roundtrip and another 500’ of climbing), passing through lava fields with stupendous views of the Three Sisters mountains and then into the flora of the wetter side of the Cascades. For an even longer ride, continue to Belknap Hot Springs (where cyclists can relax and refuel), adding to the roundtrip another 46 miles and 4,000’ of climbing through beautiful forests and along a series of switchbacks that offer fantastic views over the wooded Cascades to the west and south. A long, dazzling ride from the desert to nearly the rainforest.
Access: The main trail head is located approximately ½-mile south of downtown Sisters just south of the Whychus Creek bridge (parking is limited at this location). Many users park at Village Green Park where ample parking and restrooms are available. Additional access is also provided at the south end of the trail just past mile marker 5 on Three Creek Road as well as where the trail crosses the Mainline and Peterson Ridge Roads (parking limited at these locations).
Ride With GPS: All route maps can be downloaded to most SmartPhones and many GPS devices. Click here to create a free Ride with GPS account to take advantage of these features.
