Oregon Department of Transportation crews work to open state Highway 242 over McKenzie Pass on Wednesday, clearing a lane through the snow past the Dee Wright Observatory.

Last year, the scenic highway was opened to vehicle traffic on June 21 — but it’s expected to have an earlier opening date this year. In the past, the opening of McKenzie Pass has come as early as March 21 (in 1934) and as late as July 29 (in 1999), according to the ODOT webpage.

To check for online updates about when ODOT plans to open the pass this year, go to

http://1.usa.gov/13vC2go.