McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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From this viewpoint you can see the Belknap Crater Complex, clear evidence of "recent" volcanic activity.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Milepost 2.7 on the byway.
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The Dee Wright Observatory, a stone memorial named for the CCC foreman who headed the project, offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain Range, as far north as Mt. Hood.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: On the byway at milepost 3.5
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Deschutes National Forest (OR)
The Deschutes National Forest is a recreational haven, pure and simple: these 1.8 million acres include five wilderness areas (200,000 acres), six cool rivers, 157 lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,400 miles of trails.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Byway makes a route right through this national forest.
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McKenzie Ranger Station and Information Portal - West (OR)
Get McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway and area information here. You can get maps for and information on whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, camping and other recreational activities in the Willamette National Forest.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located at 57600 McKenzie Hwy in McKenzie Bridge, OR.
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Mount Washington Overlook (OR)
From this overlook, you can get a great view of 7794-foot Mt. Washington, which is interesting because it started out as a shield volcano.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: At milepost 9.3 on the byway.
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Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (OR)
Zigzagging from the Mexican border to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through six different ecozones. From scorching desert valleys in Southern California to rain forests in the Pacific Northwest, the PCT offers hikers a unique, varied experience.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Trail crosses the Byway at McKenzie Pass and at Santiam Pass.
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The Upper Proxy Falls and the Lower Proxy Falls, referred to collectively as the Proxy Falls, can be accessed by hiking a loop trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness area.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: West from McKenzie Pass, located between milepost 64 and 65, it is an unmarked trailhead and it is a short hike to the falls.
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Sahalie and Koosah Falls are located on the old historic route locally known as the Clear Lake Cutoff.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: At mileposts 19.5 and 0.4 on the byway.
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The three tallest peaks in Oregon, after Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, are the snowcapped Three Sisters.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: East of the Cascades
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Willamette National Forest (OR)
The Willamette National Forest offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities during summer and winter months. Its central location makes it accessible to day-trippers and vacationers alike.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The byway makes a route right through both national forests.
