McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Visitor Services

A medical clinic is available in Blue River. There are also parking areas at Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls on Highway 126. There are developed scenic overlooks in these areas, and there is also a trail that connects the two waterfalls.

Service Description Service Description
Fees

Fees

Parking passes can be purchased from the ranger station, allowing you to park and hike the trails along this byway.

 Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

This byway is popular with bicyclists during the summer. While the Santiam Pass Highway (US 20) and Clear Lake Cutoff (Oregon 126)... [more]
Camping

Camping

To reserve a National Forest campground site, visit ReserveUSA:

    		 Food

    Food

    Stop to grab a bite to eat or buy food for your trip in the town of Sisters.
    Gasoline

    Gasoline

    Fill up on gas in the community of Sisters.

    		 Information

    Information

    Sisters provides information about driving the byway, what to do along the road, and the history of the surrounding areas.
    Lodging

    Lodging

    Overnight lodging is available in Sisters.

    		 Restrooms

    Restrooms

    Restrooms are available at Sahalie Falls.
    Retail

    Retail

    Buy supplies for the road or souvenirs of your trip in the town of Sisters.

    NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

    Special Considerations

    Regular services are available in McKenzie Bridge. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is a paved highway that safely accommodates two-wheel drive automobiles with standard clearances.

    Restrictions

    Highway 242 is closed from mid-November to mid-June due to snow. Nearly the entire byway is in a snow zone, so chains are sometimes required during the winter, especially over the Santiam Pass. Also, due to extremely sharp curves and narrow road width, Highway 242 over McKenzie Pass is closed to vehicles (either single or combined) that are longer than 35 feet. Trailers are also discouraged.

    Seasons

    Best Time to Drive

    Ideally, it is best to drive the byway during spring, summer, and fall months.

    High Season

    Spring, summer, and fall are the busiest seasons on the byway.

    Road Conditions

    To find up to date information about the road conditions along McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.
    Oregon