McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway

Sisters, OR, US

Route Overview

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

The Best of Oregon Riding

38 mi.
2,367 ft.

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.

Route Details

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

Oregon Scenic Bikeways are a superb collection of cycling routes that inspire people to experience Oregon's natural beauty and cultural heritage by bicycle, and that offer economic and social benefits to the state's communities and residents. The program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Trip Planning Resources

Downloadable map and cue sheet for the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway.

GPS files and route profile for cyclists starting the route at Village Green City Park in Sisters and riding west to Belknap Hot Springs.

GPS files and route profile for cyclists starting the route at Belknap Hot Springs and riding east to Sisters.

Visit RideOregonRide for videos and photos, guide and shuttle companies, cycling events, attractions, lodging, Bike Friendly business locations, and more.

For more to see and do near this Scenic Bikeway, check out Sisters Country, the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce and Visit Central Oregon.

Information about road conditions from Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck.

Route Description

The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway is a challenging ride, but possible to do 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. The vast majority of the route is on Oregon Route 242 which is closed during winter months. However, bicyclists are able to start using the route in the spring as the snow melts - providing miles of traffic-free road riding as the snow melts. The route typically opens to motor vehicle traffic in mid-June.

The route begins at the Village Green Park in the center of Sisters and heads west past hay meadows, ascending 2,000 feet through ponderosa pine forests. The road follows an 1860s wagon route. After 8.8 miles, the route passes the East Snow Gate that restricts motor vehicle traffic during the winter and spring. Emerging from the forest at Windy Point and a 2,000-year-old lava flow the route offers a moonscape of lava for another 3.5 miles to the summit.

The Dee Wright Observatory sits at the top of 5,325-foot high McKenzie Pass offering a spectacular view on the Cascade Mountains and an opportunity to hike through the jagged lava flows that dominate the landscape.

The 20-mile westside descent snakes down exhilarating switchbacks to the dense, verdant Cascadian forests and rushes out over the McKenzie River. The trailhead to Proxy Falls allows a short hike to the falls. It’s these dramatic transitions through such diverse natural environments that define the uniqueness of this Bikeway.

The end of the route, or the turn-around point for one-day riders is at Belknap Hot Springs on the banks of the McKenzie River.

There are multiple US Forest Service campgrounds along the route including:

Important Reminders

Scenic Bikeway routes often include roads with car and truck traffic. Although the Bikeways are routed on low-traffic and low-speed roads whenever possible, most are designated for cyclists who are comfortable riding in some amount of traffic.

The McKenzie State Scenic Bikeway is closed due to snow each winter.

Other routes by Oregon Scenic Bikeways