McKenzie Pass: Highway 242

OR 242 · McKenzie River → Sisters

Twisty34 mi1 hr3,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,400 ftOne way

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The drive

OR 242 climbs east from the McKenzie River (OR 126) up tight switchbacks through old forest to the lava fields at the pass, with the Dee Wright Observatory built of lava rock, then drops through pine to Sisters. It's 34.2 miles in about 1 hr, climbing 3,700 feet to a high point of 5,400.

The west side is the tight part, so driving east, as most visitors do from Eugene, means climbing it.

Along the way

McKenzie River (OR-126)
Dee Wright Observatory
Sisters (US-20)

Elevation

3,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,400 ft

McKenzie RiverSisters

Curves

Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches

mi 4–13mi 19–24

McKenzie RiverSisters

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Vehicles over 35 feet long are not allowed because of narrow lanes, tight curves and sections without shoulders.
The road is closed for winter from November to mid-June; the earliest it opens is the third Monday in June. It's open now but may close within weeks.
When closed, gates are locked and signs posted.

Closed by snow from early November to mid or late June. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT: McKenzie Highway and McKenzie Pass.

Questions about this drive

How long does McKenzie Pass take to drive?

OR 242 from the McKenzie River to Sisters is 34.2 miles and takes about 1 hour.

When is McKenzie Pass open?

It's closed from about November to mid-June; the earliest it opens is the third Monday in June.

Can RVs drive McKenzie Pass?

Not long ones: vehicles over 35 feet are banned.

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.

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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