Oregon is hands-down the most beautiful state in the nation. We’re lucky to enjoy vast forests with towering trees, crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls, a rugged coastline with walkable beaches and vast ocean views, and mountains formed by ancient volcanoes towering over all of it.
If you’ve been missing out on the Beaver State’s natural beauty lately, it’s time to gas up the car and get out there for a scenic drive. One of our favorites is the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.
Your adventure starts and ends in the pretty little town of Sisters. Found just north of Bend, the town boasts several great restaurants, charming shops, and a great brewery.
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Gas up your car, and hit the road! This trip makes an 82-mile-long loop that takes you through some of Oregon’s most stunning and diverse scenery. Plan on three to five hours, depending on how much time you spend on the stops along the way.
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You’ll start by taking Oregon Route 126 over Santiam Pass.
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Get a good look at Black Butte, and check out Suttle Lake. You can stop here for some fishing, if you’d like.
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As you descend from the pass, you’ll turn onto the McKenzie River Highway. True to its name, this road follows the McKenzie River, which is the origin of some of the beauty you’re about to witness.
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Take the turnoff to see Clear Lake. At first glance, you might think this lake is shallow because you can easily see logs under its surface. What you’re looking at is a 3,000-year-old forest that’s completely submerged in more than 100 feet of water!
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Continuing on, you’ll want to stop and stretch your legs on the 2.6-mile loop trail that takes you to Sahalie Falls, a roaring, 100-foot waterfall on the McKenzie…
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…and Koosah Falls, which plunges 70 feet into the river below. Tamolitch Pool is just a bit farther down the river.
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You’ll divert from the McKenzie River Highway to Oregon-242 (aka the McKenzie Highway). Just nine miles down the road, you’ll come to the turnout for Proxy Falls. It’s well worth the short 1.3-mile hike to see this stunner.
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Make your way through steep switchbacks on the Deadhorse Grade, and witness incredible views of North and Middle Sisters in the distance.
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You’ll see these pretty peaks reflected in the waters of Scott Lake if you take the short side road.
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As you emerge from the forest, the landscape changes dramatically. A huge lava field covers 65 square miles here, created by volcanic activity just 2,000 years ago.
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You’ll certainly want to pay a visit to the Dee Wright Observatory. Created from the same volcanic rock that surrounds it, the observatory offers fabulous views of the otherworldly landscape.
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You’ll make your way through the lava field and back into the forest as you head back toward Sisters, where you’ll want to celebrate another successful road trip with a cold beer at Three Creeks Brewing Co.
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When was the last time you took this scenic drive? If you’re ready to do it again, tag the friends and family members you want to take with you in the comments!
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Learn more about the town of Sisters in this article, and check out Dee Wright Observatory in our feature article here.
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Address: Oregon, USA
