Sahalie Falls to Sisters, OR on a Triumph Bonneville T120

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This ride takes us from the misty, humid forests of the McKenzie River Valley and up to the high, dry country east of the Cascade crest. Leaving Sahalie Falls, we'll continue on the McKenzie-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, a route steeped in history. The road we're on roughly follows the Santiam Wagon Road, a historic toll road built in the 1860s that was vital for connecting the Willamette Valley with the rich ranching and farming lands of Central Oregon. The pass itself, Santiam Pass, has an elevation of 4,817 feet and was named after the Santiam Kalapuya tribe. This ride is a study in contrasts, as the dense Douglas fir and hemlock forests of the west side give way to the drier, open Ponderosa pine forests of the east.

As we crest Santiam Pass, the geology changes dramatically, and so does the landscape. We're now in the "rain shadow" of the Cascades, a much drier climate where the towering pines create a more open, sun-drenched feel. This area is a showcase of volcanic history, with prominent peaks like Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters dominating the skyline. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as this is prime habitat for mule deer and elk. The ride culminates in the charming western-themed town of Sisters, Oregon. The town itself is a nod to its own history as a ranching community, and its name, of course, is a tribute to the three magnificent volcanic peaks that stand sentinel over the landscape: the North, Middle, and South Sisters.

In this ride we will pass through or near Santiam Junction, OR; Santiam Pass; Black Butte Ranch, OR

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Chapters

00:00 - Start
09:04 - Santiam Junction, OR
15:04 - Santiam Pass
27:04 - Black Butte Ranch, OR
34:07 - Sisters, OR