Oregon Route 242 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by ODOT | ||||
| Length | 36.59 mi (58.89 km) | |||
| Existed | 1962–present | |||
| Tourist routes |
 McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway |
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| Major junctions | ||||
| West end |  OR 126 in Belknap Springs |
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| East end |  US 20 / OR 126 in Sisters |
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| Highway system | ||||
| Oregon highways Routes • Highways
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McKenzie Highway Historic District
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| NRHP reference No. | 10001215 | |||
| Added to NRHP | February 7, 2011 | |||
→Oregon Route 242, also known as the McKenzie Highway, is a special road in Oregon. It goes from Belknap Springs, Oregon through the McKenzie Pass in the Oregon Cascades mountains. The highway ends in Sisters, Oregon. This road is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2011.
This highway was once a very important route for cars. It was part of U.S. Route 28 until 1952. Then, it became part of U.S. Route 126. For many years, until 1962, it was the only main road going east from Eugene over the Cascades.
Today, Oregon Route 242 is mostly a scenic route. This means it's a beautiful road to drive for fun, not for everyday travel. Because it's a scenic route, the state does not clear snow from it in winter. So, it closes every year, usually from November 1 to July 1. Sometimes, heavy snow can even close it earlier, like around Labor Day. Snow can pile up to 14 feet high at the top of the road! You'll see special gates that close the road during winter.
Did you know there was another Oregon Route 242 before this one? That earlier road was in a different part of Oregon. It existed from 1932 until after 1951.
Contents
History of the McKenzie Highway
The McKenzie Highway has a long and interesting past. It started as a simple wagon route over the Cascade Range in 1862. This was a very difficult journey back then!
Building the Automobile Highway
The highway we see today, built for cars, was finished in 1924. When the first U.S. Numbered Highways were planned in 1926, this road became part of U.S. Route 28. This route stretched all the way from Florence to Ontario.
How the Highway Changed Over Time
In 1951, a part of US 28 was changed to US 126. This change happened between Eugene and Prineville.
A new road, called the Clear Lake Cutoff, was finished in 1962. This new road made US 126 change its path. Instead of going over McKenzie Pass, US 126 now used the Clear Lake Cutoff. After this change, the old McKenzie Pass route was given a new name: Oregon Route 242.
In February 2011, the McKenzie Highway was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site. Later that year, in September 2011, McKenzie Pass was also named an Oregon Scenic Bikeway. This means it's a great place for bikes too!
Gallery
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Fall Colors
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Scenic Vista
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Lava Beds
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