Originally Posted by
indyfabz
Be extremely careful on the steep descent on the day to Dorena Lake. There were several crashes. One woman in front of me went off the road, bowled over a volunteer who was in a chair holding a caution sign and did a header into his car. Fortunately for her, the hatchback was open and filled with soft sided luggage because she hit face first. Probably the scariest crash I have ever seen. She's lucky that she walked away with only a shiner.
You will do McKenzie the harder way in terms of climbing effort, but you will avoid having to descend the switchbacks. When we went the other way in '02, several people ended up in the woods despite warning to go slowly. West to east also allows you to enjoy this part, which is more scenic than the east slope, as you climb. Stop on the way up at the plaque in memoriam of the mailman who died in a storm while trying to cross the pass.
That climb between Dorena and Steamboat is a good climb. Much worse heading south than heading north. But, I'd second it. Expect a steep descent with wicked switchbacks. Make sure your brakes are tuned. Hitting a car might be a good alternative over plunging into the canyon below.
I assume the route takes King Road W and E between Cougar Reservoir and just past McKenzie bridge, and avoids the worst sections of the McKenzie HWY (adding small hills, but nothing big). From Horse Creek Rd to 242, there are generally very wide shoulders along the McKenzie HWY..
The McKenzie climb is long, but a good climb. It definitely gets easier when you get close to the top, so don't get too worried about the 20 or so mile climb. The last 10 will be easier.
If you have time for a hike, there are some good waterfalls about halfway up the McKenzie climb (with a short hike).