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!
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 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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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
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 . . . )