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This route is hardly a DDAC original. It’s been well documented and is more of an Oregon Classic than anything. However, we’ve ridden it numerous times in both directions and have a few tips to make this journey magical. And while we are generally against out-and-back routes we make an exception here, because it’s rare in America to get to ride plowed mountain passes that make you pretend you’re in The Giro.
First and most importantly picking the right date. As of the past few years the pass has been opening in mid-June. So May until June is the prime window. Check the ODOT page here that the pass is clear first: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Regions/Pages/McKenzie-Highway.aspx
Also don’t forget weather, check it both in Eugene and Sisters, OR and assume it will get much chiller on the top of the pass.
We prefer the West to East route. There is something about ascending from the lush valley first that just feels right. Sure, some will complain that you ascend the steep side straight away, but to us that is a feature. Park before Hwy242 (McKenzie Highway) at the Rainbow Ranger Station. The first couple miles are flat and leave you wondering why you drove all this way, but upon turning onto Hwy242 you quickly forget your pessimistic mindset. Things get good when you go around the yellow closed gate a few miles in. The forest beckons you and lures you as it begins to point upwards. Breathe it in.
As you get higher you stand among the trees. As the climb opens it up it begins to get steeper and switchbacks take you higher. When the views of the Willamette Valley end you get to the lava fields and a series of rollers. Views open up to Mt. Washington and Three Fingered Jack to the North. To the South the Sisters along with Broken Top. Eventually in the distance you spy a castle seemingly from Lord of the Rings. This is no illusion it is the Dee Wright Observatory. Now for your true challenge of the day try hiking to the top in road shoes. Don’t linger long and get cold because it’s downhill to Sisters.
Now, if you’ve done your meteorologic homework correctly some of the best snow banks to ride through are just past the observatory. Point it down and try not to imagine Andy Hampsten covered in snow on the Gavia. There is a nice pull out before getting to the gate. The downhill continues a little bit more till you’re on the flats into the town of Sisters. We recommend coffee and a pastry at Sisters Coffee Co. on Hood Ave. You’ll need the fuel to get you back up the other side. The good news is the East side climb is easier and you get a top notch brake-roasting alpine descent back down the West side to your car. See, we told you West to East was better.
If you want some fun homework look up Carl Decker and Adam Craig setting the downhill KOM
For what it’s worth there is also windows of car-free riding at Mt. Lassen and Crater Lake National Parks that are publicly posted. At Yosemite, Tioga Road (Hwy 120) has a small window before hoards of tourists come, however if you can find out when you pretty much have to be ready to go. What makes McKenzie Pass unique is the communication from ODOT and the relatively long window until cars are let through. It’s part of why Oregon is pretty damn magical for bikes.
Check ODOT’s site for info: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/mckenzie-highway.aspx
