When Was the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway Built?
Usa, north-america
132 km
11 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Oregon road trip on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway! This 82-mile loop is your ticket to the heart of the Cascades, a land sculpted by fire and ice. Originally a wagon road from the 1870s, this paved route now whisks you past mind-blowing scenery.
Give yourself 3-5 hours to really soak it all in – you'll want to stop! Expect jaw-dropping views of snow-capped Mount Washington and a massive, 65-square-mile lava flow from Windy Point. Keep an eye out for the stunning Sahalie and Koosah Falls, too.
A heads-up: this is a summer-only kind of adventure. McKenzie Pass usually closes from late fall to mid-June due to snow. And because of tight curves and a narrow road, leave the big RV at home – vehicles over 35 feet (and trailers!) aren't recommended over McKenzie Pass. This route is perfect for experiencing waterfalls, clear lakes reflecting volcanic landscapes, and ancient lava fields. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 132 km
- Max Elevation
- 11 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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