Scenic Drives USA

McKenzie – Santiam Pass Loop is located in west-central Oregon about 22 miles northwest of Bend. The byway begins in Sisters on US 20 and forms a loop drive back to Sisters. It follows OR 126, OR 242, and US 20 for a total of 82 miles. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Motorhomes over 22 feet long and vehicles pulling trailers are discouraged from traveling OR 242. US Highway 20 and OR 126 normally remain open year-round; OR 242 is closed November to early July.

This scenic drive crosses the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests through ponderosa pine and stands of aspen, across Oregon’s high desert landscape, and skirts the shores of numerous mountain lakes. Scenic vistas along the byway provide beautiful views of the Three Sisters mountain peaks as well as the surrounding wilderness. Mount Washington, standing proudly at 7,794 feet, may also be seen at times from the byway.

Flowing alongside OR 126 is the McKenzie River. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail also follows the banks of the river. Several scenic waterfalls reward the hiker and offer a nice place to take a break and relax a bit. There are numerous access points along this part of the byway. There’s a half-mile trail off OR 242 that leads to the beautiful Proxy Falls. Both the upper and lower falls drop about 200 feet over moss-covered cliffs. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail can also be accessed from the byway. Several other trails provide opportunities for a short stroll or a long day hike.

Dee Wright Observatory is located at the summit of McKenzie Pass. This observatory was named in honor of a Forest Service packer from 1910 to 1934. He was also the foreman of the Civilian Conservation Corps crew that built the observatory. Views from the observatory include Mount Hood, Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson, and Three Fingered Jack as well as the Three Sisters. The Lava River Trail is an interpretive trail beginning at the observatory and winds through interesting volcanic features.

Steens Mountain byway is in southeast Oregon approximately 60 miles south of Burns. The 66-mile route begins in Frenchglen and follows Steens Mountain Loop Road and OR 205 back to Frenchglen. Oregon Highway 205 is a two-lane paved road; the rest is gravel. Portions are narrow, rough, and steep and require a high-clearance vehicle. Motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers are discouraged from traveling the byway. Steens Mountain is usually open mid-July through October. There are five gates at various elevations that control access during wet or snowy conditions. The lower gates are usually open by May; the upper gates open around mid-July.

Steens Mountain Back Country Byway travels across Oregon’s high desert country and up through the ruggedly beautiful Steens Mountain. Several scenic overlooks along the byway provide spectacular views of Kiger Gorge, wild horses, and the vast expanse of the sagebrush-covered Alvord Desert. In almost every season of the year wildflowers bloom, elegantly displaying their brilliant colors of purple, yellow, and pink.

There is a variety of wildlife to be on the lookout for. In lower elevations you’re likely to see pronghorn antelope and higher up, the majestic bighorn sheep. Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk are most likely seen near cover and water in the evening and early morning. Overhead, the byway traveler will want to be searching for golden eagles, hawks, and falcons.

There are three BLM campgrounds on the byway: Page Springs, Fish Lake, and Jackman Park. Page Springs Campground is the first campground encountered east of Frenchglen. There are 30 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Fish Lake Campground provides 24 campsites with picnic tables and grills. The lake is stocked with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Jackman Park Campground has six sites. Drinking water and comfort stations are available in each camping area.

Frenchglen was named for Peter French and his father-in-law, Dr. Hugh Glen. Frenchglen was originally known as P Station and was part of French’s P Ranch. The remains of Mr. French’s former headquarters for his cattle ranch can be seen about one mile east of Frenchglen. The historic Frenchglen Hotel, built in 1924, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the State of Oregon. The hotel still accepts guests from March through November.