McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

McKenzie–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway shown highlighted in green
Route information
Maintained by ODOT
Length: 82.0 mi[1] (132.0 km)
Existed: February 8, 1989[2] – 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
Major junctions
Tourist loop around Mount Washington
CCW end: US 20 / OR 126 in Sisters
 
CW end: US 20 / OR 126 in Sisters
Location
Counties: Deschutes, Lane, Linn, Jefferson
Highway system

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.

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.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Staff. "McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway". National Scenic Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Staff. "Official Designations". McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved September 11, 2011.

External links