A few of the local guys and I went for a drive today on our favorite side road.

It's the old McKenzie Highway (242) that used to be the main way to get to Eugene from Bend. It is closed from November to July because it gets snowed in and they cant maintain it easily because its too windy. I have always called this the West-Coast Cherohala. I've never been to TotD, but from photos and videos, I assume it's a similar experience.

I don't know how many curves there are (like they market the Cherohala), but we measured it in Mapquest which showed 23 miles of twisty "good stuff". All total, it's 40 miles of grand fun with an unposted speed limit (technically 45mph). It starts in the valley at under 2000ft elevation surrounded by lush green forests, and peaks at about 5500ft at the summit with lava flows for miles in all directions. Then it's down into the sagebrush and pines of the high desert.

Here are a few sample videos from the adventure today. In some of the videos you will see signs for 20mph twisties, and even some half-circle 15mph "switchback" signs as well:

Hope you enjoy the view.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJVCslqF7VA [/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdgbR0064FU [/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns5UQ-CpA3I [/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IumSAkyoacQ [/media]

 

I am glad my videos came out ok - thanks for leading the trip buddy - it was a blast as always. Too bad the road is only open 3-4 months out of the year.

 

Here is the link to the review of our McKenzie Pass drive.


https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=811175

 

From looking at google, this seems good:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&...97,4.916382&z=8

 

These roads are probably better because you don't have to deal with a ton of traffic, tourists and police.

 

nice!

i did a roadtrip from LA to Portland last winter and shot up PCH and the 101 most of the way. we stopped a night in Bandon and from the 101 worked my way to the 5 to get to Eugene.

That stretch between the 101 and the 5 was AWESOME. yea, my GF and the dog in the back almost puked but man... it was fun! made me wish i did the road trip in the S instead!!

 

Great video Was drive on a weekday or weekend? I'm asking because of all the bikers, and I need to do that drive

 

The TODT is the tightest curving road but it's not the best the Appalachians have to offer. I've been on roads in WV, VA, NC, SC and GA in the mountains that rival the dragon in tightness but with no traffic or police!

That OR route looks fun. Lots of places to go off road and over a cliff with no guard rails!

 

Fwiw, OR reminds me a lot of NC, just on the wrong side of the country!

 

<--- books flight! Puts S on car hauler.