McKenzie Bridge to Sisters
Harder
Sisters to McKenzie Bridge
Easier
Map and Cue Sheet
Best Time To Ride
May- 3rd Monday in June*
(No cars)
Also great through August
Ride Options
Ride from Sisters to McKenzie Bridge
Ride from McKenzie Bridge to Sisters
Ride from Sisters to Top and back
Ride from Hwy 126 to Top and Back
Road Condition
Road is closed in winter due to Snow
Usually open to Bike’s only from May to 3rd Monday in June.
Open to cars from then until snow closes road – usually October
McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway
- Distance Instructions
- Travel mode
- walking
- bicycling
- driving
- straight-line
- Distance 24 miles
- Time 3 h 0 min
- Speed 10 mph
- Min altitude 1644 ft
- Peak 5354 ft
- Climb 2805 ft
- Descent 4314 ft
Dee Wright Observatory
Dee Wright Observatory – stunning lookout over vast lava fields
Sisters, Oregon
Belknap Hot Springs
Boutique Hotel, RV Park and Camping – riverside lodge features a hot springs filled pool and beautiful gardens.
Proxy Falls
This is a must see! 2 major waterfalls on a 1.1 mile loop hike.
Westside Parking
Parking area at the end of Hwy 242 where it connects with Hwy 126.
Trail Highlights
Scenery – Make sure you take time to stop at Proxy Falls. The 2 falls are gorgeous. You will need to stash bikes in the woods or lock bikes up for this 1.1 mile hike.
If that’s not possible, come back after the ride.
Food – McKenzie Station Pub (in McKenzie Bridge) has an incredible Beef Brisket Burger, which may be the best burger you have ever had. Cold beer on tap too!
After a big ride, I like to reward myself with great food! McKenzie Station Pub has never let me down. The beef brisket burger or Brisket Fries are to die for!”
Highlights
Scenic Highway / Bikeway with low motor traffic:
Shuttles: Shuttles are available daily by Appointment only 541-822-6272
Food & Drinks
Water – Bring lots of water – this is a big trail. You’ll want to stay hydrated. You can refill water at a few of the campgrounds along the way, yet the water sources are off trail and may be tough to find.
Food – Bring snacks – 38 miles of road bike heaven requires fuel. Lots of climbing, especially if riding up from the west.
Places to Eat – After ride, there are a few places to choose from in McKenzie River or in Oakridge – including places to get a cold beer. McKenzie area restaurants near the bottom of the trail include: McKenzie Station Pub, Obsidian Grill, Takoda’s
Necessary Gear
Bring lots of water and snacks this is a big ride.
Bring standard bike gear – patch kit, spare tube, multitool, etc.
There are no stores until the end of the ride.
Travel Journal
This is one of the Oregon rides that is expertly covered in Jim Moore’s 75 Classic Rides Oregon (see the “Oregon” section in Rides by Region).
This ride is the greatest climb and descent in Oregon. ‘Nuff said. And in addition, you get class-A Oregon forest and an enormous lava “moonscape” you’ll never forget.
Jay’s Essential Bike Rides
From the Steel Bridge Blog –
“The big reason that I was drawn to McKenzie Pass is that for several weeks each spring it is open exclusively to non-motorized traffic. When winter snow arrives the pass closes. In the spring, crews begin plowing the snow and eventually bikes and pedestrians are permitted along the route. In a normal year, the route reopens to motorists on the third Monday in June. Erin and I made plans to bike the highway on a Sunday, the last day before it would open to motorists.”
“The mountains are glorious, though clouds still block the upper tips of the Sisters. I watch proudly as Erin rolls towards me and dismounts her bike. I ask how she feels upon reaching the top, perhaps expecting a hint of gratitude that I helped motivate her to achieve her goal.”
Click the “Continue Reading” button to hear about the rest of their journey – sounds like they should have started the ride in Sisters…..
