This weekend, pack up your bike and head to the scenic McKenzie Pass Highway (OR 242), which is open exclusively to walkers and cyclists now through June 15.

The pass, which is closed during the winter months due to snow, offers some of the best sights in the Pacific Northwest including lush ponderosa pine forests, views of Mt. Washington, and a 2,000-year-old lava flow.

The official route runs 38 miles, starting in Sisters then heading west along an 1860s wagon route. Upon emerging from the pine forest at Windy Point, cyclists enjoy a 25-mile, 4,000 ft. descent to Highway 126 filled with exhilarating switchbacks and views of the McKenzie River. 

So get out and enjoy some terrific, traffic-free road riding while you still can.