McKenzie Pass (OR 242): Opening & Status

McKenzie Pass carries OR 242 over the Cascades at 5,325 feet between Sisters and the McKenzie River valley, through the lava fields below the Three Sisters. It is the old wagon road line, narrow and winding, and unlike every other crossing on this site it is seasonal: snow closes it every winter and crews dig it out every spring.

The rhythm is consistent. The gates close with the first lasting snow, usually around November. In spring, plows cut a single lane through drifts that can stand many feet tall, and the highway first opens to bicycles and pedestrians only, a few weeks that cyclists plan their year around, before the full opening to cars in mid to late June most years.

One honest note on sources: ODOT does not publish a live crew report for OR 242 in the conditions feed this site reads, so there is no live posting to show here. The summit forecast below is live from the National Weather Service, and the Santiam Pass status is the live winter alternative a few miles north.

McKenzie Pass summit weather

Siskiyou Summit Ashland Medford Santiam Pass Sisters Bend Sunriver Redmond Sweet Home Willamette Pass Oakridge Chemult Government Camp Detroit Idanha Hood River Grants Pass Roseburg

30°F

Rain And Snow Likely

partly_cloudy_day

Wind W 7 to 12 mph · Chance of precipitation 57%
A chance of rain before midnight, then rain and snow likely between midnight and 2am, then a chance of rain and snow between 2am and 3am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 30, with temperatures rising to around 32 overnight. West wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Questions drivers ask

When does McKenzie Pass open?

OR 242 typically reopens to cars in mid to late June, after crews clear snow that can drift many feet deep at the 5,325 foot summit, and closes again with the first lasting snows of fall, usually around November. ODOT announces the exact dates each year; this page tracks the season and links the Santiam Pass status for the winter months.

Is McKenzie Pass open right now?

In winter, no: the highway is gated and closed to all traffic except, in the spring shoulder season, a bicycle and pedestrian only window before the full opening. In summer, check ODOT before you go, because fire and rockfall closures also happen on OR 242. Santiam Pass on US 20 is the year round crossing a few miles north.

Can I drive McKenzie Pass instead of Santiam Pass?

Only in season, and only in a shorter vehicle: OR 242 is narrow, winding, and posted against long vehicles and trailers. It is a scenic drive, not a truck route. In winter it is not an option at all; Santiam Pass is the crossing.

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