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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The Shadow Knows
July 30, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I started in Spingfield and headed east on 126. I took 242 to Redmond. This was my first ride after purchasing my Shadow Spirit. The ride was fun even though care needed to be taken on the sharp curves. Many had gravel from vehicles that drifted off the pavement. I especially enjoyed the lava park with its senic sturctures and views.
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Guest
July 12, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Short, but too much fun! Truly a unique route through the lava fields and fantastic views at the top. The westside definitely has more twists and turns. Be sure to save time to walk the streets of Sisters.
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cbx4evr
June 24, 2012
11 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Another awesome road defeated by the mighty Goldwing. Had a great drive. Coming from the west about ten miles in it started raining. The higher we got the harder it rained. By the time we got to the summit it was raining too hard to stop or even take a picture. Fogged right in. Still snow on the ground along side the road. Still had an awesome ride and would recommend it to everyone. Passed lots of bikes coming from the east.
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