Dee Wright Observatory — Attraction in Sisters

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...

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...

I am loath to write this review...because I hate it when my favorite places get overrun with other visitors! But I have to give the Dee Wright Observatory a 5-star rating. It is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. We love lugging our telescopes, Sony a7ii, and SeeStar up the hill to stargaze and get some amazing astrophotography shots. It's probably the best-kept secret in central Oregon, if you ask me!

We recently took our new Tesla Model Y and spent the night car camping at the Observatory. We met some interesting characters there, as we always seem to do when we're out and about. Folks who visit Dee Wright are friendly and talkative, and always interested in our equipment. We enjoy sharing our passion for the hobby!

One problem during the most recent visit...the porta-potties were listed as having been serviced the day before. However, they were both badly in need of being emptied, and neither had toilet paper. Good thing we always bring along TP, but I was definitely grossed out by the state of the tanks. The servicing company obviously is falling down on the job.

So...don't...