The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed the west side of McKenzie Pass, OR 242, for the winter season following weekend snowfall in the Cascades. The closure was implemented Tuesday morning, with gates shut near the junction with OR 126 and at the summit by Dee Wright Observatory.
According to the department, gates on the east side of McKenzie Pass will remain open for a short period, with November 6 identified as the latest possible closing date. The timing of closures can differ between the west and east sides due to varying weather conditions.
McKenzie Pass is considered a secondary, scenic highway and is not maintained for travel throughout the year. The department stated, “In the winter, we focus our staff and resources on main highways to keep them plowed, open and safe.” Once closed, the road is not maintained, and travelers who go beyond locked gates and closure signs may face hazards or encounter maintenance equipment. The area also lacks services and cell phone coverage.
The seasonal opening and closing of McKenzie Pass has been in place since 1962, after the completion of the Clear Lake-Belknap Springs section of Oregon 126. The department explained that even when it served as the primary route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon, the road’s narrow, winding design and elevation of 5,325 feet made winter maintenance challenging.
Travelers are advised to check which mountain routes are open and review current road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511. More details about McKenzie Pass are available on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s website.
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