McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway

McKenzie Pass is without a doubt the most spectacular ride in Central Oregon, showcasing forests on both the east and west sides of the Cascades (they’re different) as well as a lava-rock moonscape at the top that’s unlike anything you’ll probably ever see on a bike ride again.

The route begins at the Village Green Park in the center of Sisters.  The vast majority of the route is on Oregon Route 242 (selected to be on the U.S. Register of Historic Places, March 2011). Most of Oregon Route 242 is closed during winter months, but bicycles are usually allowed in the spring before it’s reopened to cars—providing miles of traffic-free road riding as the snow melts. Please check www.tripcheck.com for current road closures.

Restrooms and potable water can be found at the Village Green Park in Sisters and at McKenzie Bridge store. There are restrooms at the summit and various campgrounds throughout the descent.

While it is a challenging ride, it is possible to do the route over and back in one day.  There are also lovely campgrounds on either side of the route – perfect for a great night out under the stars.  Currently there is no shuttle available to bring riders back from one side or the other to their vehicles – however, there are bike tours from a Bend-area business, Cog Wild Tours, that ride the McKenzie River Trail.  There is the possibility of working with Cog Wild to have riders pay for a shuttle service from the west side to Sisters.

Click on the route name to the left of the map to go to a separate page with a detailed route description, plus a downloadable map and cue sheet.