dee wright observatory

A MUST STOP FOR Super views of the many peaks circling the area from the volcanic turret known as the observatory. Easy walk up a macadam pathway to the viewing enclosure .. each window or cubby hole in the viewing room lines up with a view of one of the mountain peaks. The lava fields have some short macadam paths to enjoy the scenery too. Interesting CCC history behind the project. Don't miss it!

At the highest point in Oregon's Hwy 242, you can walk up an easy trail through an amazing field of broken black lava, to a lookout built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression to keep young men employed and fed. In the enclosed viewing room, site out windows to identify surrounding peaks. Up on top, in the wind and sunshine, the vistas are spectacular. If you're driving between Bend and the Willamette Valley, don't miss it.

Take your Dramamine and travel the McKenzie Pass and stop at Dee Wright Observatory. Fun little stop between Central Oregon and Eugene. Very informative. Fun for the kids. Great little hikes.

Build in 1935 by the CCC, this viewpoint is worth the stop. The highway actually was an old wagon route from the 1860's if you can imagine that! Great views of Mt. Washington, Jefferson, and North Sister from here. And as others have stated, lots of LAVA - 20 square miles! Kids will like the other worldly nature of this place as well. Right now in October is the best to go as the vine maples just west of here are turning yellow and red. Be sure to stop just west of the observatory and read about the Postman - watch for the sign. Be sure to bring your camera (not just a phone cam). Another tip: if traveling the entire highway, stop at Proxy Falls too.

the road from sisters oregon up to Dee Wright Observatory is a twisty windy road, but, well maintained. I believe it may close due to snow at some point in time...but it was open in early October and is well worth the trip. You are afforded great views of The Three Sisters mountains as well as Mt. Jefferson and more if you climb (several steps)... Or take the pretty not steep paved walkway to the top of the observatory. Lots of hikers were out south of here on a gorgeous October day...it is well worth the trip when the road is open

We had company from Washington so on the list of things to do was the McKenzie Highway with Dee Wright. The company was very impressed with the views of the mountains. I love to go there even without company. Choose a clear day so the mountains will show at their best. We had a little smoke but they were still pretty! There is a paved trail around through the lava beds that a wheel chair could navigate.

We stopped by this observatory on our way to a nearby lake. It was an attraction from afar with a stoic medieval looking construction. Pieces of lava are piled in a tower with windows that give you a vista of the many volcanos in the horizon. The drive up to the viewpoint was as spectacular as the views from the top; gorgeous fir forests dripping with moss... I love Oregon.

From where we were staying in Redmond, Oregon this was a beautiful 45 minute drive. The views from the observatory are unbelievable..mountains, lava...do not miss this on your summer trip. The highway is closed in winter.

First, let me say that this is NOT IN SPRINGFIELD, OREGON. It is west of Sisters. It is a WINDY road to get here. Our poor puppy threw-up. It is also beautiful. It's something like you've never seen before and helps to appreciate volcanos. I was surprised to learn that it was more the than one volcano that caused what we were seeing and there were layers upon layers of lava. There is a walking tour that has interesting tidbits along the way, but kids were losing interest so we didn't finish. They enjoyed playing 'in the castle'. It's always fun to learn more about the place you live.

We approached McKenzie Pass from Sisters OR on the eastern side of the Cascade Range. Once we rose above 3500 feet in elevation, the ponderosa pine forests dominated the terrain. We noticed that the forestry service had set controlled burning in order to help germinate the seeds from the trees' cones. The treetops were still wonderfully green, and the bark undamaged by the fire.Since the Dee Wright Observatory lies at 5325 feet in elevation, the climb to the summit is steep, the road narrow and twists around sharp turns. However, along the route is a pullover where you can observe three waves of lava from different centuries. The eerie juxtaposition of tree-coverend mountain and lava flows gives one pause about the unpredictability of nature. We passed both bikers and hikers on the trip up as well as down. Drivers had to watch carefully as the road turned upward and around toward the observatory.The observatory is situated upon a mound of lave, its very steps hewn from lava stones for the first few yards. A smooth path completes the sloping approach. Large openings in the observatory provide panoramic views for the visitors while smaller windows frame individual mountains, craters and buttes that make up the Cascade range within view of the observatory. With study and a good memory, a visitor can learn the shape of individual peaks after they have left this perch and returned to lower elevations and perspectives.There was no need of interpreters and guides to instruct us in the purpose of the observatory. We were left to contemplate in our own silence the awesomeness of this place and the role of nature in the formation of the Cascade Range. I will never forget this instructive experience!

I didn't expect to find this hand built observatory in the middle of a lava field -- but it was a fun and informative climb and a little bit of whimsy replete with easy ways to make sure you SEE the highlights of the area! Get out of your car and climb to the top. It's worth it!

An observatory built out of the local volcanic rocks that litter this pass. The observatory itself is a bit worn down (tough to read some of the CCC era inscriptions), but the basic trick of aligning windows to peaks still works, and the structure is certainly rather unique. A neat little paved trail takes to through the lava field with signs explaining some of its strange features. Otherworldly, overall, with all the light lava rocks and the splendid views. Consider stopping at the nearby trailhead (to the west) and going for a brief jaunt on the Pacific Coast Trail, where you can get into the woods, and also walk on some of the volcanic rocks (something I wouldn't want to do for long, but it's neat for a bit . . . )

Words can't even explain the views you get from Dee Wright Observatory! It's a must see! So beautiful and so much to learn! We will definitely be coming back! The only downfall is a bit of a drive and it's not located in Springfield. The observatory is way past blue river but definitely worth the drive!!

My 17-yo daughter and I stopped here on a recent trip through the Cascades. The observatory at McKenzie Pass makes it easy to identify the various volcanic peaks in the distance. Great geography lesson! Am already planning a return trip. The views from McKenzie Pass are stunning all around.

Upon arriving at the summit of Mackenzie Pass, elevation 5325, you are surrounded by ancient lava flows and black rocks that are part of the Deschutes National Forest. You can take this road from Bend or from the west in Salem or Springfield. There are paved walking trails with interpretive signs that explain the surrounding geology and volcanic eruptions. It is not the green lush forests of the Oregon Cascades, but sharp, black rocks so remember to keep the kids safe and on the trail. The Observatory provides an excellent view of the Oregon Cascades and The Sisters which usually have quite a bit of snow on their flanks even in the summer. This is a terrific spot for geology geeks and families who love to explore. The road is narrow and winding,( slow vehicles are a given) and prohibits vehicles longer than 30 feet..so be aware. Also the weather can be unpredictable even in the summer, with thunderstorms coming up quickly. Their are "restroom" facilities available as well.