Old McKenzie Pass Highway (Oregon)
Volcanic highway through active Cascade lava fields
This abandoned section of Highway 242 cuts through some of Oregon’s most dramatic volcanic terrain, winding over McKenzie Pass at 5,324 feet through the Cascade Range. Built in 1872 as a wagon road, the route crosses extensive lava flows from Belknap Crater, offering unobstructed views of the Three Sisters, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson. The road surface alternates between broken asphalt and volcanic rock, with the Dee Wright Observatory marking the high point where you can walk among recent lava flows.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance vehicles due to deteriorated pavement and loose volcanic rock sections. Winter closure runs October through June due to heavy snow, making July through September the prime season. No permits required, but fuel up in Sisters or McKenzie Bridge as services are 30+ miles away. Dispersed camping available in designated areas. The payoff is driving through an active volcanic landscape that feels more like Mars than Oregon, with hiking access to wilderness areas and some of the Cascades’ best volcano viewing.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35.4 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5324 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Sisters, Oregon |
| Land manager | Deschutes National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Old McKenzie Pass Highway?
Yes — stock high-clearance trucks and SUVs handle this fine. The surface is rough broken pavement and volcanic rock, so low clearance vehicles like stock sedans or crossovers will bottom out and get torn up.
When does Old McKenzie Pass Highway actually open each year?
Typically July through September, depending on snowpack. The pass sits above 5,300 feet and snow lingers well into summer — check with Deschutes National Forest before you go, because the open window can shift by weeks year to year.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to drive this route?
No permit or fee is required to drive the route itself. You're on Deschutes National Forest land, so standard forest rules apply — no campfire restrictions aside from any active fire bans in effect when you visit.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches run through the lava fields where the old pavement has broken apart into chunky volcanic rock — nothing technical, but it's slow and jarring. Aired-down tires help a lot; expect 15–20 mph average through the worst of it.
Is there any water or gas available along the route, and how far is the nearest fuel?
There is no water or gas on the route — plan accordingly. Sisters is your last reliable fuel stop before heading west; stock up there, because 22 miles of rough going on a low tank is an unnecessary headache.
Trail track
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