Oregon's 82-Mile Fall Foliage Drive Passes Lava Fields, Waterfalls, And A Disappearing Lake

When autumn comes around, a pilgrimage to enjoy nature's stunning fall foliage is a time-honored American tradition. There is nothing quite like driving along tree-lined roads, watching the scenery drenched in rusty oranges, fiery reds, and glorious golds. With some leaf-peeping fall vacation hacks, you're sure to have a simple yet spectacular experience and a chance to see some of the best landscapes North America has to offer, dressed up in all their finery.

There are plenty of wonderful places to visit for fabulous fall foliage. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often considered the ultimate choice for fall foliage views, while the elegance and charm of upstate New York and New England also draw in crowds of leaf-peepers. If you don't want to travel too far from home, there's even a foliage prediction map to help you plan the perfect fall trip. One of the most interesting spots for an autumnal escape is the often-overlooked McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway in Oregon, which offers incredible views of the Cascades, as well as lava fields, waterfalls, and some spectacular fall scenery.

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is an 82-mile loop that goes from the town of Sisters through Belknap Springs, Santiam Junction, and Black Butte Ranch. The route runs over the McKenzie Pass, through the Williamette Forest, and over the Santiam Pass before heading back to Sisters. The byway is just under three hours' drive from Portland, Oregon, which is also home to the nearest international airport.

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway shows off Oregon's remarkable volcanic and glacial landscapes in all their glory. The route starts in the small town of Sisters, named for the dramatic Three Sisters peaks nearby. The town itself is charming, with a selection of excellent antique shops and art galleries. The drive immediately delivers on its promise of autumnal color, with a road lined with pine trees. Oregon Route 242 follows a historic wagon trail, and the scenery quickly shifts from verdant forest to a more dramatic volcanic landscape, with lava flows, crevasses, and the looming peaks of the Cascades in the distance.

After clearing the McKenzie Pass, with its eye-catching views across the Mount Washington Wilderness Area, you'll descend into the Williamette National Forest. The road gets pretty exciting at this point, with hairpin bends and plenty of mountain vistas, before hitting the McKenzie River, which boasts a procession of fantastic cascades. It is worth stopping for a hike here to see Koosah Falls, Sahalie Falls, and Carmen Reservoir. A little further on, Clear Lake is also worth some time. This is where the fall colors are most vibrant, with some incredible vine maple trees that shine brightly with oranges, reds, and yellows.

The final stretch of the byway heads back up and over the Santiam Pass, following another historic wagon route, past the Hoodoo Ski Area and Big Lake, and back down to Sisters. There are some wonderful things to see and experience along this section, including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, the source of the Metolius River, and the picturesque Sutte Lake, which is a popular stop for boaters and anglers. You'll also pass the mysterious Lost Lake, which bubbles up into being every spring, before disappearing down a lava tube drain every fall.

This exceptional drive is a fantastically picturesque road trip all by itself, a showcase of the stunning diversity of Oregon's geology, biodiversity, and natural beauty. However, it is well worth taking the time to stop along the way and enjoy some of the finest experiences that the Beaver State has to offer. For starters, the byway links up with exceptional hiking areas, and it is a great place to lace up your walking boots and enjoy Oregon's fantastic trails. The Pacific Crest Trail is obviously a highlight, but routes like the Lava River Interpretive Trail at McKenzie Pass, the Proxy Falls Trail in the Willamette National Forest, and the Black Butte Trail are all also worth exploring.

Angling fans will also want to spend some time on both the McKenzie and the Metolius Rivers. The McKenzie is one of the finest fly-fishing rivers in the U.S., with an abundance of rainbow trout, while the Metolius offers a different sort of challenge thanks to its population of shy redband trout.

In the winter, the rounded butte of Hoodoo Ski Area is an exceptional destination for powder hounds, with 32 runs on 800 acres of skiable terrain accessed from five lifts. There are plenty of accommodation options at Black Butte Ranch, as well as RV camping and dormitory beds at the historic Santiam Pass Ski Lodge.