Down in the Eugene area, the McKenzie Pass (HWY 242) is closed for the winter. However, they tend to plow one lane, and don't complain about cyclists and you may get up to the peak. This time of year, plan an out and back trip.
The pass is much higher from the west side, traveling eastward, and lower from the east side traveling westward.
They tend to open the pass mid-June, so from late May to early June, it can be a cycling playground!!!! But, depending on the weather, you may get up there much earlier.
Originally Posted by
indyfabz
And if you really want to drive, the Rim Road around Crater Lake in OR. Make it more challenging by riding up from Ft. Klamath or Diamond Lake, or even Prospect if you are really sick in the head.
There is actually a randonneur ride from Bremerton to Crater Lake.
https://www.seattlerando.org/content...item_id=827542
There is also an annual "Ride the Rim" ride at Crater Lake with half the rim closed to traffic. Two weekends in September.
https://ridetherimoregon.com/
When I went, I started in Eugene, Oregon. Whew!!!
https://www.strava.com/routes/6229282
Route Changes: There is a very nice bike trial along Dorena Lake near Cottage Grove.
It took me about a day and a half to make it up to Crater Lake, and the rim ride was somewhat anticlimactic.
The hill between Culp Creek and Steamboat was intense, but a very low traffic one lane road. It would work for a good stand alone hill climb. Steeper from the Eugene side than the Steamboat side.
The Umpqua Highway is busy, but has good shoulders. The climb from Steamboat to Crater Lake is about 100km, and is pretty unrelenting.