Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass) access to the PCT

[The Gnome]

The following information was extracted from Forest Service communications regarding the state of Hwy 242.

"You can get to trailheads on Hwy 242 but you want to go above Linton trailhead you have to go to Sisters and come in from the east to Obsidian and PCT trailheads.

Linton Lake is open & the trail was logged out last week. So it's accessible from the west side. The gate on Hwy 242 is closed at Alder Springs (Linton Lake TH).

The road (Hwy 242) will not be open to through traffic until mid August."

Credits to
Judy Mitchell
Forest Volunteer Coordinator

Kraig Lindelin
Mckenzie Ranger District
Wilderness & Trails

[The Gnome]

Reconstruction work has begun on the west side of Hwy 242, Mckenzie Pass, and the 5-6 mile section (of the highway) from Alder Springs (west snow gate) to Frog Camp/Obsidian Trailhead is now closed until mid August.
Frog Camp/Obsidian Trailhead and Scott Lake are open at this time.

At some point in time during July, the entire section of 242 from Alder Springs to the eastside snow gate will be closed to all traffic (vehicle, bicycle and foot) for approximately 1 week. This is to allow heavy gravel truck traffic to safely transport hundreds of gravel loads to the construction site. As we learn more from ODOT, we will release the exact dates of this complete Pass closure.

This is important information, especially for thru hikers on the PCT that may be expecting a drop off or pick up during the closure period. All public traffic will be prohibited on the hwy during this closure. Thru trail users will be allowed to cross the Hwy and continue on the trails north and south, but will prohibited from using the Hwy for safety reasons.

Paul Martin Smith
Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Coordinator
Mid-Oregon region

[The Gnome]

This information has been obtained from official ODOT and Forest Service sources and is verified by PCTA staff as accurate as of 6th July 2007.

ODOT official status from their incident center:
“A section of Highway 242, also known as the Old McKenzie Highway, is closed for construction as of June 27, 2007. The projected completion date is late August or early September. The closure is for all traffic, including bicycle and pedestrian.
The affected section is between Alder Springs campground and the Obsidian Trail trailhead. Scott Lake Road, leading into Scott Lake Campground, is also closed. Because of the construction, the road will be closed to through traffic, but some popular sites east of the construction section can still be accessed from the east via Sisters. ”

Previous information issued by the Forest Service regarding an additional closure of the entire Highway between snow gates has been rescinded.
The area around the PCT crossing (Mileage 1989.5 in the Data book) will remain open throughout the summer and the PCT will always be accessible from the east side although there may be “some delays” to traffic.

What does this all mean in plain language?

Thru-Hikers: As always with any road encounter, take great care when crossing Hwy 242. There may be heavy trucks hauling material away from the construction zone to your west. However there will be no through traffic, hence few “hiker friendly” vehicles to offer you a ride. You will probably have to double hike the 15 miles into Sisters if you have a re-supply box at the Post Office.

Section hikers: The PCT trailhead will only be accessible from the east (Sisters) side. On no account should you attempt to walk on the construction road bed, even at weekends.


Paul Martin Smith
Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Coordinator
Mid-Oregon region

[The Gnome]

The Forest Service has informed us that a pilot car will be used to convey vehicles from the east side of McKenzie Pass to the PCTA and Obsidian trailheads. No operational details have been provided but I presume anyone parking at trailheads along this route will be required to wait for an escort before leaving.

Also mentioned was the use of heavy construction trucks on Hwy 242. This is a serous warning: Truck drivers are expecting to have full use of the road bed and are not looking for pedestrians [hikers].

Paul Martin Smith
Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Coordinator
Mid-Oregon region

[Wayne Kraft]

Since McKenzie Pass is kinda my home turf, I thought I'd chime in here. I don't think this closure will be too bad for hikers. If you just absolutely must get to Sisters from McKenzie Pass, I think there will be quite a bit of traffic up there despite the closure. Highway 242 is really not the fastest way to get from anywhere to anywhere. It's the scenic route. With the road closed the folks coming up from Sisters will be hikers and tourists and they'll all be stalled at the summit waiting for the pilot car. You will likely be able to walk along a line of waiting vehicles and make your plea for a ride personally to each driver. Seems like you'd get a ride pretty quick.

Or you could just continue on to Santiam Pass. It's 20 miles to Sisters either way and Santiam Pass is busier. It's a day's walk from McKenzie Pass.

[The Gnome]

ODT reports hwy242 to McKenzie pass from the West will be open by the end of the second week of Sept.

[The Gnome]

The long saga of the hwy242 closure is nearing its end. The Forest Service is reporting the road will open on Sept 5.