McKenzie Pass

McKenzie Pass Review

Just beyond McKenzie Bridge, Highway 242 begins a steep, 22-mile eastward climb to McKenzie Pass in the Cascade Range. The scenic highway, which passes through the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area and continues to the town of Sisters, is generally closed November through June because of heavy snow. Novice motorists take note, this is not a drive for the timid: it's a challenging exercise in negotiating tight curves at quickly fluctuating, often slow speeds—the skid marks on virtually every turn attest to hasty braking—so take it slow, and don't be intimidated by cars on your tail itching to take the turns more quickly. The route is closed to trucks and large trailers and motor homes.