Oregon to Close Highway 242 for Winter Season
The Oregon Department of Transportation will close McKenzie Pass to vehicle traffic starting November 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The Oregon Department of Transportation is set to implement its annual winter closure of Oregon Highway 242, also known as McKenzie Pass, on November 5, 2026. This seasonal measure prohibits vehicle access beyond the gates to ensure public safety during the winter months.
Why it matters
The closure is necessary because the route is narrow, winding, and reaches high elevations that the agency does not maintain through the winter. By restricting vehicles, the Oregon Department of Transportation can focus its resources on keeping primary highways plowed and safe.
The closure affects Oregon Highway 242, which reaches a peak elevation of 5,325 feet. While vehicles are prohibited, non-vehicle recreational users may access the area beyond the gates at their own risk.
The players
Oregon Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Oregon's multi-modal transportation system.
The details
The Oregon Department of Transportation closes the road annually because it does not maintain the high-elevation route through the winter. Although the highway is closed to vehicle travel, the area remains open for non-vehicle recreational use by those choosing to visit.
Timeline
1962: The highway was designated as a seasonal scenic route.
November 5, 2026: The annual winter closure for the highway begins.
Seasonal Patterns
This closure follows the long-standing protocol established by the Oregon Department of Transportation to prioritize clearing primary highways over unmaintained seasonal routes. The move is consistent with the department's strategy for managing high-elevation corridors that have been restricted seasonally since 1962.
Drivers planning to traverse Central Oregon should identify alternative routes, as vehicle access will be strictly prohibited beyond the closed gates. Those seeking to utilize the area for non-vehicle recreation must exercise caution, as the road remains completely unmaintained and hazardous.
The takeaway
Drivers should prepare for winter travel patterns by checking local transit updates as seasonal road closures begin across the state. Travelers who enjoy high-elevation scenic routes should plan their trips before the first week of November when these safety closures take effect.
Further reading
For more information on regional updates, visit the Oregon Current Conditions page.
More information
For the latest updates, check the current road and weather conditions on the state portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVZ.
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