McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

This byway is popular with bicyclists during the summer. While the Santiam Pass Highway (US 20) and Clear Lake Cutoff (Oregon 126) are well-traveled routes, they do accommodate bicycles with paved shoulders and good sight distances. The McKenzie Pass Highway is narrow and winding, but it accommodates bicycles because there is no commercial traffic, recreational traffic is light, and vehicle speeds are low.

One section of the byway is accessible to pedestrians. This is the 26-mile McKenzie River National Recreational Trail, which follows the byway route along the Wild and Scenic McKenzie River from the West Portal at McKenzie Ranger Station to the river's source at Clear Lake. The McKenzie River Trail is also open to mountain bikes. The remainder of the byway is not suitable for pedestrian travel.

For drivers that just want to get out and stretch their legs, there is a half-mile, paved interpretive trail at the Dee Wright Observatory. This trail can accommodate large groups of people and there are interpretive signs along the route. There is also a short trail connecting the two waterfall overlooks of the Sahalie Falls and the Koosah Falls.

Please note: A parking pass is required for the trail parking area in the McKenzie Pass area. Parking passes can be purchased from the ranger station.