This was a good surprise to check out on our trip to Black Butte. The place is amazing, scenic, nature, lava rocks, snowy mountains, windy roads, great views. I like the creative rock cave that was built, that one can easily climb and get the 360 degree view of the surrounding. The short 1 mile hike into the lava rocks was very Sci-Fi, unreal views. read more

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I did a weekend getaway to Black Butte Ranch. My friends that planned the trip, looked for things to do nearby. Dee Wright Observatory came up, so we planned to check it out and walk the nearby path. Such a cool activity! I didn't realize it was going to be so cold and I forgot my jacket. A friend loaned me his jacket, otherwise I would have been miserable in the cold, or I would have stayed in the car and missed out on the fun! Such a cool historical spot. The observatory has great viewpoints of the lava fields. The paths are well maintained and had different interesting facts along the paths. The restroom was well maintained. I definitely recommend checking this place out of you're in the area! read more

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Intentionally wanted to see an observatory. Was in Sisters and this was the PERFECT drive. Heading into the Willamette Forest was so serene and peaceful. Getting up to the observatory, there were a good chunk of people and I still had cell service which was perfect for this solo trip. The short brisk walk up was so fun, it was a spiral. The structure is gorgeous. There's beautiful rocks that make the structure. There's surround views in the inside. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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