mckenzie pass-santiam pass loop

We drove this loop on Labor Day weekend. The entire drive took us about 3 to 4 hours but we stopped a couple places. We took rt 242 west out of Sisters to 126 north and then 126 east and rt 20 back to Sisters. Rt 242 was a volcanic landscape with lava flows. Definitely stop at Dwight Observatory as it is small but interesting. To me this portion was the most interesting of the loop. We also made a stop at Shalie Falls which was pretty but crowded and parking was difficult to find. There is a burnout forest enroute back to Sisters.

There are many wonderful trails branching off from this loop. To really experience the scenery, take time for a hike. A good short walk is to Hand Lake. In less than a mile, you can experience forests, meadows, and an old shelter.

Beautiful views- especially on a bright, sunny day! I highly recommend it. It even kept the interest of a 5 yr old boy- which is not easy to do sometimes!

It is a very nice drive and the observatory at the top is so awesome! It points out the Mountains and names them for you! The trail that goes through the lava flow is very easy and accessible to walk. As you walk along the path there are placards they are very informational about volcanos and the different types of lava flows! It is always a great place to visit with Friends and Family that have never been before!

This is a great 4-5 hour loop clockwise drive experience starting with breakfast in Sisters and then having lunch in sisters on your return (82 miles total).Download a map off the interstate for the drive and make sure to stop at these highlights:Dee Wright ObservatoryBelknap ViewpointClear LakeProxy FallsSahalie FallsKoosah FallsJust a really scenic drive with some short hikes the falls ... easy to find all locations off the highway ... enjoy the diversity

Our GPS took us on this scenic route and we had no idea what we were in for. This drive was so beautiful!! You won't be disappointed with the variety and stunning views from this drive. Just make sure you're not on E before you start the trek.

EVERYBODY should stop and see this wonder!. This is a must see and is very easy to view. Right off the highway.

Based on other reviews, we spent a day doing this incredible drive. Even with the weather a bit rainy, the scenery was just amazing from lava fields to snow capped mountains. Take your time, drive carefully, and you will not be disappointed.

This loop is one of the truly spectacular mountain drives in North America. The scenery is breathtaking, causing stop after stop to take it in. But, trust me, the drive up/down the west side of McKenzie Pass is white knuckle: a very, very narrow road and sharp turns with lots of air under you on one side. But it worth it!

A sea of lava awaits you at the top of the pass. There is a lava hike, an observatory and a restroom. If you have the time and want to be awed, take the road over the pass. But if you don't like extremely windy, narrow roads, take Rt 20.

This small road could feel crowded on summer weekends, but hit it at other times of the year on your bike and you'll be rewarded by an amazing vista at the summit. A hard grind, but worth it!

Don't try to hurry on this route--twisty turny road with views that get more wonderful the farther you go. The Rock Lava fields are mind bending!!! The view from the peak of McKenzie pass is breathtaking. I don't know of a more scenic drive in the lower 48 states. Don't miss it

The views were incredible. You had to admire the pioneers who took this route through the lava. Windy, slow especially when dodging the determined bicyclists.

I've ridden many, many roads across the county, including the Tail of the Dragon. McKenzie Pass is definitely in the top ten. The twisties are great and the scenery is terrific and interesting. Would love to do it again!

Beautiful surprises around each turn. Don't expect to get through this quickly, lots of sharp turns.