A Driving Tour to Sisters, Oregon
Breathtaking Scenery through the Cascades to a Tourist Town
May 30, 2008
The State of Oregon is blessed with great scenery. Moving eastward from the magnificent Pacific Coast, the ocean gives way to the Coastal Mountain Range, through the sparkling Willamette Valley until the countryside is filled with the mighty Cascade Range of Rocky Mountains.
From Eugene Oregon, highway 126 follows the McKenzie River through valleys and forests. A driving tour headed east from Eugene provides great views of mountains, waterfalls and rivers.
Route 20 from Corvallis and Albany curves through the Willamette Forest. The roads intersect on the path to the small town of Sisters, Oregon, population 1,706.
Scenic Mountain Driving
Highway 126 follows the McKenzie River, with magnificent views of the raging river at every turn. The highway is accessible almost all the year. Winter snows may render the roads impassable, or chains may be required during a large part of the year when in the high mountain passes.
After the town of Belknap Springs, the road turns north and passes Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, which are located just off the road. Parking lots for the falls and trailheads on the way are dirt and are often muddy.
The altitude increases in this area, and the sides of the road are covered in deep snow most of the year. Every attempt is made to keep the road itself clear.
There are high mountain roads, particular route 242, which are only passable in summer, if even then. Under no circumstances should a traveler attempt to bypass a locked gate to travel on road deemed impassable.
The Oregon Cascades
After the falls, highway 126 meets up with Route 20 and continues through the highest stretch, with the most spectacular scenery. The mountains in this area are clearly visible, and are snowcapped all year.
Signs with the names Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack have arrows pointing into the distance. These are actually pointing the direction to some of the larger mountains in view.
It is in this area that chains are needed, and there are areas for vehicles to pull over to attach the chains. The road in this area is named the Oregon Scenic Byway, and crosses the Cascades via the McKenzie and Santiam Passes. The Hoodoo ski resort is this area, along with many places designated as winter recreation areas. In this altitude and latitude, winter stretches out for a long time.
Sisters Oregon
Coming down from the mountains, the small town of Sisters welcomes visitors with a quaint tourist area and a great view of three large mountains known as The Sisters. North, Middle and South, the Sisters are all over 10,000 feet and dominate the skyline to the South of the town.
In the town are the expected restaurants and gift shops that a traveler will find in most towns. Souvenirs are cheap and plentiful, and the town has parks and free parking along the main drag, which is few blocks long, an easy walk.
Whether you continue to the east to the lovely city of Bend, or retrace your steps to Eugene, Springfield or Corvallis, the road back to civilization will be just as breathtaking as the ride into the Oregon Cascades.
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