McKenzie Pass

McKenzie – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
McKenzie – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway shown highlighted in green
Route information
Maintained by Oregon Department of Transportation
Length:	82.0 mi[2] (132.0 km)
Existed:	February 8, 1989[1] – present
Major junctions
From:	Sisters, Oregon
To:	Sisters, Oregon
Location
Counties:	Deschutes
Highway system
Oregon highways Routes • Highways

The McKenzie – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is an 82 miles (132 km) National Scenic Byway in the U.S. state of Oregon. The route is a loop designed to provide a tour of the high Cascade Range northwest of Bend, passing over both McKenzie Pass and Santiam Pass.

Route description

The route begins on its eastern end at the town of Sisters in northern Deschutes County. It follows Oregon Route 126 westward over Santiam Pass south of Three Fingered Jack, then south along the valley of the McKenzie River. It then follows Oregon Route 242 eastward over McKenzie Pass, north of the Three Sisters then back to the town of Sisters. The route is considered a summer tour route, since the road over McKenzie Pass is closed in winter due to snowfall.

History

The McKenzie – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway was designated a National Forest Scenic Byway on February 8, 1989. It was later made an Oregon State Scenic Byway on February 19, 1997 before becoming a National Scenic Byway on June 9, 1998.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Staff. "Official Designations". McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. Federal Highway Administration. http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2148/designation.html. Retrieved September 11, 2011. 
2. ^ Staff. "McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway". National Scenic Byways. Federal Highway Administration. http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2148. Retrieved September 11, 2011.