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McKenzie Highway, McKenzie River, Oregon
Photo: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domain

Drives Oregon The Oregon Cascades

McKenzie Highway

OR 126 · Blue River → US-20

Leisurely31 mi35 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,300 ftOne way
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The drive

OR 126 follows the McKenzie River upstream from Blue River past McKenzie Bridge and Belknap Springs, then north beside the river's lava-walled upper reach past Koosah and Sahalie falls and Clear Lake, ending at US 20. It's 30.7 miles in about 35 minutes.

The curves are sweeping, through old Douglas fir. The drive crosses the start of McKenzie Pass (OR 242) and the end of the Aufderheide without using either road.

Along the way

  1. Blue River
  2. Belknap Springs
  3. Clear Lake
  4. US-20
Elevation
2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,300 ft
Blue RiverUS-20
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Blue RiverUS-20
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Check TripCheck for work zones west of Blue River.
  • Check TripCheck for work zones west of Blue River, outside this drive.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT TripCheck: road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does the McKenzie Highway take?

OR 126 from Blue River to US 20 is 30.7 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

Is the McKenzie Highway twisty?

It has sweeping curves along the river but is rated Leisurely.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of McKenzie Highway, from Blue River to US-20