McKenzie Pass Highway Reopens to Vehicle Traffic

Hard work from fire crews and cooperation from Oregon homeowners speeds the state's return to normal summer conditions.

Crews like this helped bring a quick end to the Black Crater Fire Photo by: Tim King

(MCKENZIE BRIDGE) - The Oregon Department of Transportation reopened the historic McKenzie Pass Highway on Sunday, Aug. 6th, following a 12-day closure imposed because of the Black Crater wildfire.

The fire, which started July 23rd by a lightning strike in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, is now 95 percent contained. Highway 242 was ordered closed July 24th by Deschutes National Forest officials. The fire has burned approximately 9,200 acres.

ODOT reminds motorists traveling the 37-mile-long McKenzie Pass Highway to take extraordinary fire-prevention precautions as windy conditions and hot, dry weather will continue for the next several days.

The seasonal scenic highway had been open to vehicle traffic for less than a month when the Black Crater fire forced its closure at the west gate near McKenzie Bridge, and at the east gate, near Sisters. The highway typically closes for the winter in November and usually reopens in June.