Dee Wright Observatory on Postcard

"Looking more like a primitive lava rock castle than a scenic lookout, the Dee Wright Observatory offers lovely views of the surrounding peaks through a structure that seems to naturally rise up from the jagged stones around it. Named after a foreman that died the year previous to the finishing of the structure, the observatory was built Civilian Conservation Corp during the Great Depression in 1935. Using the same rough lava rock that surrounds the entire site, it was placed specifically so that it could offer a view of each of the numerous peaks of the nearby Cascade range. The rocky shelter features a number of viewing windows, some of which were specifically aligned to capture views of specific peaks. Beneath each targeting window is the name of the peak which can be viewed from it. The upper level of the observatory also has a brass compass that points visitors towards each of the surrounding peaks once again naming them." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

A Nature Lover's Guide to Oregon

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@afar

"Walking on the Moon A trip up to the Dee Wright is a required trek for all my guests who visit Oregon. If you want to experience the power and beauty of the planet, the Old McKenzie Highway delivers an eyeful. Starting in Ponderosa Pine forests and climbing to 5,300 feet above sea level, the road wages a mighty battle to deliver travelers to the top. The structure at the pass is built out of lava from the surrounding flow and towers above the old wagon road that is now Route 242. The road is closed in winter, but it's a busy corridor during the summer tourist season. The observatory has windows which become frames for the famous peaks easily seen across the barren landscape. On the top deck you can easily see Mt. Hood to the north on a clear day. An interpretive trail gives visitors a great geology lesson on Cascade volcanology. It is a very harsh environment with the blistering heat of summer and the raging snow storms of winter. One can hardly imagine moving though this moonscape in a covered, ox-drawn wagon back when Oregon was just a territory. Nothing like it."

Beyond Portland's City Limits: The Best Day Trips

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@afar

"Walking on the Moon A trip up to the Dee Wright is a required trek for all my guests who visit Oregon. If you want to experience the power and beauty of the planet, the Old McKenzie Highway delivers an eyeful. Starting in Ponderosa Pine forests and climbing to 5,300 feet above sea level, the road wages a mighty battle to deliver travelers to the top. The structure at the pass is built out of lava from the surrounding flow and towers above the old wagon road that is now Route 242. The road is closed in winter, but it's a busy corridor during the summer tourist season. The observatory has windows which become frames for the famous peaks easily seen across the barren landscape. On the top deck you can easily see Mt. Hood to the north on a clear day. An interpretive trail gives visitors a great geology lesson on Cascade volcanology. It is a very harsh environment with the blistering heat of summer and the raging snow storms of winter. One can hardly imagine moving though this moonscape in a covered, ox-drawn wagon back when Oregon was just a territory. Nothing like it."

The Best Hikes Near Portland

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Mark Alpern

Google

It was a beautiful day so that was helpful. Even then it was a little breezy and cool up there. Definitely bring weather appropriate clothing. From the observation “hut” you had a good view of the surrounding mountains, and an interesting thing to note was when they were building the walls of the place they left tunnels or holes in the walls you could look through that pointed to specific points of interest in the local geography and they had them labeled so that was helpful. Although the labels need to be redone so you can read them easier. all in all, it was quite an interesting place to visit and the surrounding communities have plenty of places where you can pull off and have a picnic lunch in the woods. We stopped near the boat ramp at clear lake and there was a little place where there was a fallen log and cleared area where you can sit and have a nice lunch and look at the lake.what a beautiful part of the country this is. You could clearly visualize the path the molten lava flowed down the mountain, as there were little island of trees and bushes that didn’t get covered with molten rock. I was a little surprised at the slowness of the vegetation to “take back” the rock. It shows how slowly things grow in that climate. In a lower, more wet location the flora would have completely covered the lava formations. Dee Wright Observatory and the surrounding forest was another fascinating spot to visit in this beautiful country of ours.

Tori

Google

I visited October 6th. It was so cool walking the path. It has fun facts about the lava field while your enjoying the view. I love the observation tower. There was so much thought and intentionality put into building it and it shows.

steven hobbs

Google

The forests around it have burned, leaving an eerie feeling. The construction is beautiful but reminiscent of Castle GraySkull from He-man. The windows that look out to the nearby mountains are great and provide a cool place to ponder. On the top, there is a compass rose with the identification of the peaks. The walk-up is generally pretty nice, but a few places may trip the less able. This is not ADA compliant.

Joshua Tijerina

Google

When driving down the Mackenzie Highway near the waterfalls we love to stop here I think it's off Highway 242 it's beautiful great views you can see all the mountain ranges lava rock everywhere it's worth the drive quite the experience and something you don't see everyday take the drive you will enjoy it recently part of the road was closed due to wildfires. there's construction currently building a bathroom so make sure you use the restroom before you go. my daughter had to use the restroom when we got there and it was difficult they didn't have any options available at will soon change. You can see so many mountain ranges on a clear day and lava rock everywhere there's some paved Trails through the Rocks you can go on walks

Hilary Neilson

Google

Very worthwhile! Bathroom was out of service. Paved interpretive trail through the lava flow, less than 2mi total. Includes some unique features. The observatory built in the early 1900s is very creative and fun

Tracy Zetko-White

Google

I love this place. Such great panoramic views of the surrounding lands, including tall mountains, lava lands, and trees. The story of Dee Wright is fascinating and is posted on informative signs. I got here just under the wire, 2 days before they close the road for winter. It was 34 degrees, windy, and had recently snowed, which added to the beauty of the landscape. Dress in layers if you come during fall. Bathrooms were also closed for the season as of Oct. 7.

Royal Mangalitsa

Google

It’s just stunning to see what Nature creates! To see those lava fields totally unchanged since the beginning they formed is incredible! Cool is also that you can see all the surrounding Mountains by looking through the little “windows” that are in the Observatory. I highly recommend to drive the McCanzie Highway when you are visiting the area of Bend and Sisters in Oregon

Susan Brengle

Google

Windy! Hold onto your hat & be sure you have a warm jacket. The observatory was fascinating, as was the loop trail through the lava fields. We loved the windows in the observatory that identified each of the mountains as you looked out.

Mark Alpern

Google

It was a beautiful day so that was helpful. Even then it was a little breezy and cool up there. Definitely bring weather appropriate clothing. From the observation “hut” you had a good view of the surrounding mountains, and an interesting thing to note was when they were building the walls of the place they left tunnels or holes in the walls you could look through that pointed to specific points of interest in the local geography and they had them labeled so that was helpful. Although the labels need to be redone so you can read them easier. all in all, it was quite an interesting place to visit and the surrounding communities have plenty of places where you can pull off and have a picnic lunch in the woods. We stopped near the boat ramp at clear lake and there was a little place where there was a fallen log and cleared area where you can sit and have a nice lunch and look at the lake.what a beautiful part of the country this is. You could clearly visualize the path the molten lava flowed down the mountain, as there were little island of trees and bushes that didn’t get covered with molten rock. I was a little surprised at the slowness of the vegetation to “take back” the rock. It shows how slowly things grow in that climate. In a lower, more wet location the flora would have completely covered the lava formations. Dee Wright Observatory and the surrounding forest was another fascinating spot to visit in this beautiful country of ours.

Tori

Google

I visited October 6th. It was so cool walking the path. It has fun facts about the lava field while your enjoying the view. I love the observation tower. There was so much thought and intentionality put into building it and it shows.

steven hobbs

Google

The forests around it have burned, leaving an eerie feeling. The construction is beautiful but reminiscent of Castle GraySkull from He-man. The windows that look out to the nearby mountains are great and provide a cool place to ponder. On the top, there is a compass rose with the identification of the peaks. The walk-up is generally pretty nice, but a few places may trip the less able. This is not ADA compliant.

Joshua Tijerina

Google

When driving down the Mackenzie Highway near the waterfalls we love to stop here I think it's off Highway 242 it's beautiful great views you can see all the mountain ranges lava rock everywhere it's worth the drive quite the experience and something you don't see everyday take the drive you will enjoy it recently part of the road was closed due to wildfires. there's construction currently building a bathroom so make sure you use the restroom before you go. my daughter had to use the restroom when we got there and it was difficult they didn't have any options available at will soon change. You can see so many mountain ranges on a clear day and lava rock everywhere there's some paved Trails through the Rocks you can go on walks

Hilary Neilson

Google

Very worthwhile! Bathroom was out of service. Paved interpretive trail through the lava flow, less than 2mi total. Includes some unique features. The observatory built in the early 1900s is very creative and fun

Tracy Zetko-White

Google

I love this place. Such great panoramic views of the surrounding lands, including tall mountains, lava lands, and trees. The story of Dee Wright is fascinating and is posted on informative signs. I got here just under the wire, 2 days before they close the road for winter. It was 34 degrees, windy, and had recently snowed, which added to the beauty of the landscape. Dress in layers if you come during fall. Bathrooms were also closed for the season as of Oct. 7.

Royal Mangalitsa

Google

It’s just stunning to see what Nature creates! To see those lava fields totally unchanged since the beginning they formed is incredible! Cool is also that you can see all the surrounding Mountains by looking through the little “windows” that are in the Observatory. I highly recommend to drive the McCanzie Highway when you are visiting the area of Bend and Sisters in Oregon

Susan Brengle

Google

Windy! Hold onto your hat & be sure you have a warm jacket. The observatory was fascinating, as was the loop trail through the lava fields. We loved the windows in the observatory that identified each of the mountains as you looked out.

Jason V.

Yelp

Are you sure this isn't the ruins of the tower of Barad-Dur, after Sauron's defeat? Because this place feels more like Mordor than Oregon, with its vast volcanic wastes stretching out to the horizon like the plains of Gorgoroth: it's the sort of place one comes to destroy a Ring of Power. But I digress: the Dee Wright Observatory is a obsidian obelisk of striking proportion and presence, less than a half hour's drive west out of Sisters along the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway, the first of many picture-worthy stops along an incredible stretch of road through the Cascade Mountains. Boasting panoramic views of the peaks of all three Sisters, two presidents (Washington and Jefferson) and, on a clear day, Mount Hood far in the distance, all beyond the seemingly endless ebony hellscape of porous black rock that surrounds you for miles in every direction. Don't attempt to play the "Floor is Lava" game here; you lose immediately. If you find yourself in the area, it's absolutely worth checking out; I can't imagine anyone driving by being able to ignore such a captivating landmark without pausing to explore, even for a few minutes. No amount of words will describe this place. Like the Matrix, is has to be seen for itself. I've never encountered anything like it, anywhere. Informational panels are posted throughout, discussing the history and geology of the region. No admission or day use fees; limited parking; restrooms available nearby.

Kim R.

Yelp

Other-worldly! Another definite must-see in the beautiful state of Oregon. We've tried to get to Dee Wright and to complete the McKenzie-Santiam Scenic Byway many times, but our timing has always been off and the McKenzie section always closed. Finally-YAY-last weekend we made it through. Even though it's sad to drive through the burn zone it's also equally as miraculous to witness the new growth and stunning trees still standing amongst the lava fields. As you approach Dee the views are simply spectacular, like wandering another planet. Each lava field and trail in Oregon is unique and awe-inspiring, but there's something extra special about Dee Wright...the vast lava fields surrounded by mountain beauty. There's plenty of parking at the observatory, as well as a toilet. The observatory itself is amazing, rising up from the rock to allow a one of a kind view of the epic surroundings. I was especially impressed with the forethought of providing visitors with clear portholes directing the eyes 360 degrees to each individual peak in the distance. Amazing. There's a fabulous 1 mile paved interpretive loop trail with great educational information along the way. I highly recommend taking the time to read each one. MORE than a 5 star worthy spot in our amazing state. Go out of your way for this one!

Gregory S.

Yelp

The GPS lied. It said the McKenzie Pass Highway OR-242 is the shortest way to get from Eugene OR to Redmond OR. Well, maybe it is; but, it is not the fastest. Expect it to take about 75 minutes from OR-126 at McKenzie Bridge to Sisters plus time spent enjoying the scenery because of the numerous 15-20 mph curves as you climb to the top of the pass. Dee Wright Observatory is the pinnacle of the drive that should not be missed. About a mile west of the observatory is a pull off area with a great view of the Three Sisters. Just east of the observatory is a new pull off with another great view of the Three Sisters. The observatory is surrounded by informational plaques describing the geography around you and the history of the observatory. As you climb the path to the observatory, you are treated to great views of the monstrous lava flow and the volcanos that produced the lava. At the first level you enter a rock cylinder with port holes and small plaques with the name of the volcano that you are looking at. Conveniently, there are small steps in front of the ports to allow short people to see out. At the top of the observatory is a beautiful compass rosette and more descriptions of the area. Go enjoy exploring Dee Wright Observatory!

Robin S.

Yelp

Do stop here as you wind your way along the scenic McKenzie Highway. It's not just a cool lava-constructed observatory; it's a volcanic experience. Belknap volcano has periodically flooded the area with lava, making an otherworldly landscape similar to what you find at nearby Newberry volcano just south of Bend. The forest service has constructed a path through the lava field with informational signs along the way explaining the various volcanic features you encounter. The best part of the observatory itself (for me and apparently for kids too) are the portals in the first floor that open towards the major volcanoes that surround the building with the names of the volcanoes carved into the rock below the openings. On the top deck, there is also a large bronze plaque with directional pointers to these same volcanoes. It's a great way to learn the names of the mountains and craters in the area. Easy parking and access. The observatory and lava path are right next to the highway.

Frank W.

Yelp

On our drive on the McKenzie Highway we stopped at the observatory which was constructed of lava rock in the 1930's by the CCC and named as a memorial to its construction foreman. There is path (Lava River National Recreation Trail) that goes into the lava with many informative signs about the lava field and the history of the area.

Marie F.

Yelp

About 22miles Up the McKenzie Pass. 5000ft elevation. 8 miles past proxy falls. No signage until you are 2 miles from it. Good amount of parking. It was about 20 degrees cooler than Eugene and windy. It's usually closed November -June based on snowfall. It's a neat place and the peek holes are a fool proof way to learn your landmarks. The carved rock plaques need to be redone. Some can't be read but it's really a beautiful place. Public toilet...the non water/outhouse variety. Bring hand sanitizer.

Dee Wright Observatory

Dee Wright Observatory

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