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Oregon Road and Recreation Atlas
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McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, Oregon
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Contact Us About this Site
Description: Numerous snowcapped volcanoes tower on the horizon and lush
forests surround fields of black jagged lava--these features make this extraordinary loop drive unique. The drive climbs across the
northern flank of the Three Sisters, then circles back around Mount
Washington, passing a number of waterfalls, alpine lakes,
reservoirs, and the Wild and Scenic McKenzie River. Along the way,
interpretive pull-outs explain the geologic history of the area, and
how you can use the scenery to find out what happened long ago, when
the mountains formed from giant volcanoes.
OR 242 climbs up steeply, and passes between the Mount Washington
Wilderness and the Three Sisters Wilderness. Stop and camp or hike to
some of the area waterfalls or backpack into the wilderness. OR
126/US 20 passes through the Willamette and Deschutes National
Forests, where attractions include fishing in the numerous lakes or
in the McKenzie River. Other popular activities are boating in the
lakes, hunting, camping, and rafting in the river. Facilities include developed campgrounds, wheelchair-accessible nature trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas along the route.
Location: Loop drive about 50 miles east of Springfield on OR 126:
From OR 126, go east on OR 242 to Sisters, then north and southwest on US 20/OR 126. Loop drive is 86 miles, and takes a minimum of 2 hours.
Address: Supervisors Office
Deschutes National Forest
1645 Highway 20 East
Bend, OR 97701 |
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Phone: (541) 383-5300 |
Season: snow closures in winter & spring on OR 242 |
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Fee: NW Forest Pass required for some parking areas |
Reservations: no
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Activities
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Biking
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Fishing |
Picnicking
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| Boating (Motorized) |
Hiking/Backpacking
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Scenic Driving
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| Boating (Non-motorized) |
Horseback Riding |
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| Boating (WW) |
Hunting |
Water Sports |
| Camping |
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Wildlife Viewing |
| Caving |
Off Highway Vehicles
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Winter Sports
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| Climbing
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Services and Facilities
indicates availability indicates unavailability  indicates the service or facility is accessible to people with disabilities |
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Visitor Center
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Group Campgnd
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RV Sites
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Exhibits |
Campgnd, Primitive
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Electric Hookup
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Interpretive Programs
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Drinking Water
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Dump Station
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Cultural-Historic Sites
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Restrooms
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Boat Ramp
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Campgnd, Developed
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Showers
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Marina |
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| Rental Cabins |
Notes: OR 242 over McKenzie Pass is closed to vehicles (single or combined) longer than 35 feet; trailers are discouraged.
Managed in partnership with the Willamette National Forest.
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