The McKenzie Pass scenic bikeway is considered one of the most
spectacular cycling destinations in Oregon. The 38-mile ride is framed by the Cascades,
surrounded by dense forests and punctuated by a historic, if not eerie,
observatory constructed from the same lava rock that surrounds it for miles. To some,
the area is an unsettling moonscape. To others, it's begging to be explored on two wheels.
I set off in late September. The hand warmer essentials for 30-degree mornings here.
Hoping to catch some clear weather before the seasons changed and the highway closed
to cars for the winter. The bikeway starts in the small western-themed city of Sisters.
My colleagues and I stayed in a motel in town. You want a ride, you just say so. Oh,
well I'll let you know in a couple miles. Got up early and hit the road. Me on my bike,
them in the car, capturing my antics. Maximum hand warmer to hand ratio here.
Oh yeah. McKenzie Pass is one of Oregon's 17 scenic bikeways, or designated routes that travel
some of the state's most spectacular terrain. The route follows Oregon 242, passing a number
of trailheads and stunning landscapes, including panoramic views from the Dee Wright Observatory.
The route almost creates a perfect bell curve as far as elevation goes,
topping out at over 5,000 feet above sea level. While the highway was open to drivers during our
trip, the route is particularly special in the spring when it's accessible by bike before it
opens to vehicle traffic. I made it to my first major landmark, which is the gate that closes
in the winter time and I officially can't see because i fogged up my glasses and I'm very hot
because i wore a lot of layers to start. So i'm going to shed some layers, toss them into Subaru
and now really start pedaling uphill in earnest here.
I had about 15 miles and lots of uphill pedaling to do to get from Sisters to the top of the pass.
I wound my way up the highway, not exactly setting any speed records, but keeping a good
pace and enjoying the scenery. I eventually started seeing hints of ancient lava rock,
a stunning reminder of Oregon's volcanic history and a preview of the scenic reward to come.
Then, without fail, I emerged at the top of the pass, the most difficult part of the ride behind
me. The mountains looked stunning, with a coat of early season snow and I was ready to take a break
and soak in the panoramic view atop the Dee Wright Observatory. Feeling okay. It was a good climb up
here. I'm sufficiently, like I still got energy for the way down, but it was a good climb. I'm
thinking though that I'm gonna go eat a breakfast burrito. Oh still warm, yeah. In the very cool Dee
Wright Observatory. The observatory was completed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
and named after the crew's foreman. On a clear day, you can see mountain peaks from its windows
and roof and at the very top there's a bronze peak finder with mountain names and elevations.
The best part of every Peak Northwest video.
When was the last time you ate a burrito on camera? That's the question.
Then, it was time to hit the road again for the rest of the ride.
Now there's one more little hill, a little ish hill, and then it's mostly downhill from here. So,
fingers crossed. Second bit, it's gonna be smooth. All right, back on the move.
The highway dropped out of the exposed, rocky landscape into a dense green forest,
showing off new to me scenery as I swoop downhill. Oh, the downhill feels great.
Although, there's some sneaky uphills and some flats that are getting me. I'm more tired than I
thought I was. The descent was thrilling, offering tight turns and opportunities to pick up speed,
leaving me grinning as I pedaled hard downhill.
The ride was easily the best I've done this year: a winning combination of
challenging and picturesque that earns its billing as one of Oregon's scenic bikeways.
I'm calling it quits right here. Ready for a snack and
a little bit of relaxation. By the time I reached the intersection with Oregon 126,
I was ready to load my bike into the car and motor toward home.