McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road

The McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road is an amazing 138 km round-trip drive that begins in the city of Sisters, Oregon and takes you through McKenzie Pass and Santiam Pass. It is a great way to explore the stunning beauty of the Cascade Mountains. The best time of year to drive the McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road is during the summer months, when the snow has melted and the views are unobstructed. Along the route, you will be able to take in spectacular views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington and Mt. Jefferson. You may even want to stop to take a break and explore the lava beds and lava tube caves. Although this road trip can easily be completed in one day, you may want to take your time and enjoy the journey. The road is generally in good condition, but some sections can be rough. The trip is suitable for all drivers and can be done on a moderate budget. So pack your bags, get in the car, and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure along the McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road!

Sisters, Oregon is a small town located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, and the perfect starting point for the McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road. This winding road takes you through some of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of Oregon, with an array of stunning vistas, including the Three Sisters Mountains and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades. The town of Sisters itself is also worth a visit, with plenty of interesting sights to explore. The city boasts a unique mix of Western and Victorian architecture, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Be sure to check out the Sisters Movie House, the town’s historic theater, as well as the Deschutes Historical Museum. Travelers arriving by air should fly into the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), the closest international airport to Sisters. Car rentals are available at the airport, ideal for those looking to begin their journey on the McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road. No matter how you choose to explore Sisters, Oregon, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. From the scenic roads to the charming town, Sisters is sure to be a highlight of your road trip.

Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Get your car ready and head out from Sisters, United States to McKenzie Pass! This 15-mile trip will take you less than an hour, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful sights in the area. Start your journey in Sisters, where you can visit the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, the largest outdoor quilt show in the world, or the FivePine Lodge & Spa, a luxury resort. Continue your drive to McKenzie Pass, and experience the stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. You can also visit the Dee Wright Observatory, a unique stone structure built in the 1930s, or the McKenzie Pass National Scenic Byway, a 55-mile road that passes through the Cascades. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!

Embark on a memorable road trip from McKenzie Pass to Santiam Pass! This 50mi journey is sure to be one of the highlights of your larger tour, taking you fewer than 2 hours to complete. Start your trip in McKenzie Pass and explore the area's volcanic landscape and its views of the Cascade Mountains. Here you will find the Dee Wright Observatory, an impressive stone structure built in the 1930s. From the observatory, you can view the three Sisters, Mount Washington, and the Belknap Crater. Continue your journey to the nearby Clear Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by old-growth forests. Here you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore or a picnic in the nearby meadows. As you approach Santiam Pass, take a break at the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. At the end of your journey, you will reach Santiam Pass, where you can visit the historic Santiam Wagon Road. This road was used by settlers in the 1800s to transport goods between Oregon and California. To learn more about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please check the Itinerary of this stage.

Welcome to the Santiam Pass - Sisters road trip stage! This beautiful journey will take you 20 miles through the scenic Oregon Cascades, with a driving time of fewer than 1 hour. Start your trip in Santiam Pass, where you can take a memorable hike in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. Here you can take in the stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountains, or take a leisurely stroll along the Santiam River. Next, head to Three Creek Lake, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the lake, or take a hike along the trails. You can also take a short drive to nearby Willamette Pass Ski Area, where you can ski, snowboard and enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Cascades. Finally, end your journey in Sisters, a charming small town with a unique western atmosphere. Here you can explore the local shops and galleries, or take a relaxing walk along the Deschutes River. This is just one of the many stages of the Oregon Cascades road trip. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

The McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road is an amazing journey through the Cascade Mountains and the high desert of Central Oregon. Along this scenic drive, travelers will enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Range, the Three Sisters Mountains, and the McKenzie River. One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to Sisters, Oregon. Named for the Three Sisters Mountains, Sisters is a charming western town with a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the many shops, galleries, and restaurants that line the historic main street. Or, take a stroll through the quaint downtown area, with its beautiful old buildings and antique stores. For those looking to explore nature, Sisters has plenty to offer. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Or, take a drive along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway. This scenic route takes travelers through the Willamette National Forest and offers stunning views of the Cascade Range. After a day of adventure, visitors can relax at the Sisters Inn and Spa, a luxurious retreat offering spa treatments, a pool, and a restaurant. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). At the end of the McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road lies the picturesque town of Sisters, Oregon. With its stunning views and endless outdoor activities, Sisters is the perfect place to end your journey.

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating journey along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, stretching 82 miles (132 km) through the majestic Cascade Mountains in Oregon. Starting from the charming town of Sisters, this round-Trip route winds past ancient lava flows, alpine landscapes, and dense forests, offering awe-inspiring views of the volcanic peaks. This adventure showcases the stunning wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and highlights some of Oregon's most iconic natural wonders.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• The Three Sisters, a trio of volcanic peaks that are each over 10,000 feet tall, offer a stunning backdrop for photographers and a challenging playground for climbers.
• Mt. Washington, a striking shield volcano, provides picturesque views and is popular among mountain climbers.
• Mt. Jefferson, the second-highest peak in Oregon, stands majestically on the horizon and is surrounded by wilderness areas perfect for hiking and backpacking.
• Explore the unique landscape of the 65-square-mile McKenzie Lava Flow and the fascinating lava tube caves that invite the more adventurous travelers.

Best Time to Go:

Late June through October is ideal when the Oregon high country is typically clear of snow, offering full access to the byway's natural attractions. The Road is usually closed due to snow from November to June.

Potential Risks:

While the Road is well-maintained, it includes some narrow sections with sharp turns and steep grades. Always check Road conditions before your Trip as weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Dee Wright Observatory, constructed of lava rock, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade peaks and interpretive displays about the region's geology.
• The route includes the 1860s-era Santiam Wagon Road, an important historical path for pioneers.
• Clear Lake, formed 3,000 years ago by lava flow damming the McKenzie River, is known for its crystal-clear waters and underwater old-growth forest.

A good choice for:

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway Road Trip is a journey through Oregon's volcanic legacy, cloaked in natural beauty and rich with geological and historical significance. Whether seeking a day full of exploration or an extended excursion into the wilderness, this Road Trip offers an unparalleled encounter with the raw power of nature.