The Outriders Blog /A Ride up the McKenzie!

Charging up a twisty highway

Whether by car, motorcycle, bike or foot, the McKenzie Highway (OR 242) is one of the most picturesque scenic byways or bikeways Oregon offers.

The McKenzie Highway is part of the McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway. The McKenzie Highway (OR 242) section of the scenic byway begins at the junction with Oregon 126 near McKenzie Bridge and ends at the junction with U.S. Highway 20 and Oregon 126 at the City of Sisters. The highway travels between two federal wilderness areas, and countless historic, recreational, and scenic features and sites. The boundaries of the Mt. Washington Wilderness and Three Sisters Wilderness also border the highway.

The McKenzie Highway typically opens to motorized vehicles the third Monday in June. However, heavy snow pack can delay the summer opening. 

Some of our friends made this video taking the Slingshots up the McKenzie!