Roll The Windows Down And Take A Drive On The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway In Oregon
By Catherine Armstrong|Published June 17, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Oregon is hands-down the most beautiful state in the nation. We’re lucky to enjoy vast forests with towering trees, crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls, a rugged coastline with walkable beaches and vast ocean views, and mountains formed by ancient volcanoes towering over all of it.
If you’ve been missing out on the Beaver State’s natural beauty lately, it’s time to gas up the car and get out there for a scenic drive. One of our favorites is the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.
Your adventure starts and ends in the pretty little town of Sisters. Found just north of Bend, the town boasts several great restaurants, charming shops, and a great brewery.
Gas up your car, and hit the road! This trip makes an 82-mile-long loop that takes you through some of Oregon's most stunning and diverse scenery. Plan on three to five hours, depending on how much time you spend on the stops along the way.
As you descend from the pass, you'll turn onto the McKenzie River Highway. True to its name, this road follows the McKenzie River, which is the origin of some of the beauty you're about to witness.
Take the turnoff to see Clear Lake. At first glance, you might think this lake is shallow because you can easily see logs under its surface. What you're looking at is a 3,000-year-old forest that's completely submerged in more than 100 feet of water!
Continuing on, you'll want to stop and stretch your legs on the 2.6-mile loop trail that takes you to Sahalie Falls, a roaring, 100-foot waterfall on the McKenzie...
You'll divert from the McKenzie River Highway to Oregon-242 (aka the McKenzie Highway). Just nine miles down the road, you'll come to the turnout for Proxy Falls. It's well worth the short 1.3-mile hike to see this stunner.
As you emerge from the forest, the landscape changes dramatically. A huge lava field covers 65 square miles here, created by volcanic activity just 2,000 years ago.
You'll certainly want to pay a visit to the Dee Wright Observatory. Created from the same volcanic rock that surrounds it, the observatory offers fabulous views of the otherworldly landscape.
You'll make your way through the lava field and back into the forest as you head back toward Sisters, where you'll want to celebrate another successful road trip with a cold beer at Three Creeks Brewing Co.
When was the last time you took this scenic drive? If you’re ready to do it again, tag the friends and family members you want to take with you in the comments!
Learn more about the town of Sisters in this article, and check out Dee Wright Observatory in our feature article here.
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