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.