Length 132 km | Constructed 8 February 1989 | |
 | ||
Existed: February 8, 1989 – present Component
highways: OR 242 from Sisters to Belknap Springs
OR 126 from Belknap Springs to Sisters
US 20 from near Santiam Junction to Sisters CCW end: US 20 / OR 126 in Sisters CW end: US 20 / OR 126 in Sisters Counties Deschutes County, Oregon, Lane County, Oregon, Linn County, Oregon, Jefferson County, Oregon | ||
The McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is an 82-mile-long (132 km) National Scenic Byway in the U.S. state of Oregon. The route is a loop designed to provide a tour of the high Cascade Range northwest of Bend, passing over both McKenzie Pass and Santiam Pass.
Contents
Route description
The route begins on its eastern end at the town of Sisters in northern Deschutes County. It follows Oregon Route 126 westward over Santiam Pass south of Three Fingered Jack, then south along the valley of the McKenzie River. It then follows Oregon Route 242 eastward over McKenzie Pass, north of the Three Sisters then back to the town of Sisters. The route is considered a summer tour route, since the road over McKenzie Pass is closed in winter due to snowfall.
History
The McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway was designated a National Forest Scenic Byway on February 8, 1989. It was later made an Oregon State Scenic Byway on February 19, 1997 before becoming a National Scenic Byway on June 9, 1998.