McKenzie Pass, OR bike ride
Channel: TopTube Cycling Videos
Date: 2016-07-03

McKenzie Pass, possibly the most beautiful bike route in Oregon.  For a period of time each year after the road is plowed but before final clearing, the road is open to cyclists, but closed to vehicular traffic, making it an extraordinary bike route through the Cascades.  We start on the east side in Sisters Oregon and climb past the east snow gate to the summit and the Dee Wright Observatory.   From there we continue to the west snow gate and then return to Sisters.  

There are many variations of this ride.  Common variations from shortest to longest:
1.  East snowgate to Dee Wright Observatory and return.  
2.  Sisters to Dee Wright Observatory and return
3.  Sisters to west snow gate and return
4.  Sisters to junction of OR Hwy 242 and 126.

So you can select a ride to match your fitness level.  

Remember, however, all of these routes involve riding in the high Cascades.   The weather can change dramatically for the worse, much of the route is isolated with no cell phone coverage and there may be snow and rock slides as well as tree fall and other road hazards.  Plan accordingly and be prepared.  I would strongly suggest not riding this route alone.