Why this ride
National Scenic Byway. lava fields, Cascade peaks, forest. 160 km from Sisters to Sisters, about 2 h 33 of riding. The highest point is about 1,600 m. The line favours views over speed.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 160 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 2 h 33
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Scenic road chapters
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Expect company on a summer weekend. Early is better than fast. For 21 km this is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, a road with a name of its own and a reason for it.
Rider note
Check the pass is open before you commit to it.
Chapter facts
- Length
- 21 km
- Named road
- McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Pass
- McKenzie Pass
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Sisters
Sisters sits on the dry east side of the Oregon Cascades, at about 3,200 feet, in a patch of ponderosa pine and sagebrush where the forest gives way to high desert. Above it rise the three volcanoes that gave the town its name, North, Middle and South Sister, each over ten thousand feet, snow-streaked even in summer. The town was built in a Western style, with false-front wooden buildings along the main street, boardwalks and murals, and it has the feel of a film set that happens to work.
Read the complete Sisters write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 1 sits at 0 km, early in the day. Next is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 2.
2. McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 2
Planning note
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 2 comes up 23 km in. Next is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 3.
3. McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 3
Planning note
47 km in you reach McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 3. Next is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 4.
4. McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 4
Planning note
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 4, about halfway. Next is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 5.
5. McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 5
Planning note
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 5 sits at 94 km, late in the day. Next is McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 6.
6. Sisters
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Sisters write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
McKenzie Pass Santiam Pass Scenic Byway point 6 comes up 160 km in.