Wander the West

Road Biking Mckenzie Pass - Oregon

	Riding through the lava fields at McKenzie Pass

2006

McKenzie Pass (Oregon Highway 242) is a scenic route through high Cascade lava fields in Central Oregon. The top of the pass is at 5,324 feet and is only open during the summer months. In the late Spring / early summer, this represents a unique opportunity for road bikers. The snow has melted sufficiently to allow riding weeks before the highway opens to automobiles. The result is a road route with no cars, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The date that the highway opens changes every year based on snowpack. Typically it opens in May or June. May and early June riding on the pass is typically cold and windy so dress appropriately. This year however, substantial snow pack has kept the highway closed through the entire month of June. Late June riding can be sunny and warm (or hot!) and beautiful! Riding the pass in early summer weather is a rare treat.

The East side of the pass is just about 6 miles of climbing with 2,500 feet of elevation gain from the East gate. The West side is much more difficult with over 3,500 feet of climbing. We parked at the junior high school just to the East of Sisters and rode from there. This made an out and back trip of approximately 27 miles. If snow conditions permit, and you are a real die hard, you can ride all the way from one gate to the other and back - for over 6,000 feet of climbing.

Road Biking Mckenzie Pass Photo Gallery

- Aaron Walton