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The word “scenic” falls short of describing the visual treasure of
Central Oregon. Nevertheless, two local driving routes have
received the prestigious designation of National Scenic Byway:
the Cascade Lakes highway near Bend, and the McKenzie Pass-
Santiam Pass highway out of Sisters. Both are seasonal due to snow.
Cascade Lakes remains open year-round from Bend as far as Mt.
Bachelor – Central Oregon’s renowned ski resort – but the
remainder of the highway usually closes mid-November and isn’t
completely plowed until the end of May.
While the Santiam Pass is open year-round, the McKenzie Pass
closes sometime in mid-November, and may not be open until June,
or even July. In 2011, the pass wasn’t open until mid-July, after a
record 263 days of closure.
Another drive – the Lower Crooked River Backcountry Byway – is
a great place to get away from it all and to see some country.
No matter where you go, be sure to check local road conditions
before venturing out.
Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway began as an
amalgamation of local, historical roads used to access various lakes,
Miles of
spectacular
scenery
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THINGS TO DO 2013 • 37