Dee Wright Observatory

Deschutes County, Oregon

4.7/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.93 miles

Elevation Gain

20 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Eric Johnson

Dee Wright Observatory offers plenty of opportunities for beautiful landscape photography. Best to go at sunrise or sunset—the colors are at their most vibrant. Bring a tripod for some cool time-lapse images.

On your way to Proxy Falls from Bend? Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory to take some photos of the gorgeous mountains.

The Observatory is at the summit of McKenzie Pass in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Built right in the middle of a large lava flow, the open structure itself is actually constructed with lava stone. Climb in for exceptional 360-degree views of the surrounding Cascade peaks.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Scenic

Reviews

Clayton Lukens

Dee Wright Observatory

06/20/20

Fun to take non hikers to this viewpoint to snap some pics. I recommend specifically at sunset, during the day it’s not as good.

4.0

Scott Sichler

Dee Wright Observatory

06/04/20

The views of the Cascade Mountains from the summit are great. The surrounding lava rock makes it seem surreal.

5.0

Explorer

Shawn Grenninger

Explorer

Dee Wright Observatory

01/07/17

I hit Dee Wright up for sunrise, I had the area all to myself. Awesome 360 views. Definitely worth the trip and early rise to check it out!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Matthieu Lakes via Lava Camp Lake Trail

Begin your hike at the Lava Camp Lake Trailhead. The trail winds through a forest flush with hemlock and fir while opening up into black lava flows. Continue for a little over two miles until you reach North Matthieu Lake. This is your first stop. Go for a swim out to the little island and have a snack. Once you have gotten your fill, hike on until you reach the South Matthieu Lake. South Matth...

Camp at Lava Lake

Beautiful spot to set your tent up for a night or longer.About 12 spots scatter the immediate campground area, but while hiking we spotted several more dispersed throughout the towering Ponderosa Pine trees. Most of the spots circle a small lake. The ground in this site is a VERY soft dirt, perfect for earthing! I couldn't help but be barefoot the entirety of our visit there.A short walk downhi...

Summit Black Crater

The Black Crater Trailhead parking lot is accessed off the McKenzie Pass (Hwy 242). The trailhead starting elevation is 5,040ft. (using the iPhone app "Topo Maps". Great app) with a 3.8 Mile hike one way to the Black Crater Summit at 7,251ft of elevation. Some parts of the trail are steep and get the legs burning. Take your time and take many breaks. I had about 45-50lbs on my back so it ma...

Summit Middle Sister via Renfrew Glacier

If you’ve been anywhere near Central Oregon, you’ve seen the Three Sisters Mountains dominate the skyline. Each of these volcanoes exceeds 10,000 ft. and are some of the highest peaks in the state of Oregon. Though they are truly considered sister peaks to one another, each has unique climbing routes that require varying physical conditioning and gear.Note: Some (crazy) people actually climb al...

Backpack the Obsidian Area

The Obsidian area is at least six miles from the closest trail head and 1800 feet of elevation gain. The best way to see the area is to plan a multi-day backpacking adventure. It is limited entry which is strictly enforced by the Forest Service. Only 30 day hikers and 40 overnight hikers are allowed in the on a first come first served basis. Follow the resource link at the bottom of the post...

Camp at Scott Lake

Scott Lake Campground is truly a hidden gem off the McKenzie Pass Scenic Drive. Nestled right next to the Mt Washington Wilderness Area, this small campsite with only 20 primitive sites lining the lake gives spectacular views over toward the Three Sisters to the South-East.To get there - turn onto FS Road 260 - either 14 miles east from the junction with Highway 126 or about 22 miles west of Si...

Dee Wright Observatory

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Matthieu Lakes via Lava Camp Lake Trail

Camp at Lava Lake

Summit Black Crater

Summit Middle Sister via Renfrew Glacier

Backpack the Obsidian Area

Camp at Scott Lake

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