See: Dee Wright Observatory - A Volcanic Wonderland!​​ 🌋✨

If you're road-tripping from ​​Bend to Eugene​​, the ​​McKenzie Pass​​ route is an absolute must! This breathtaking mountain road winds through ​​pristine forests, ancient lava fields, and snow-capped peaks​​, with the ​​Dee Wright Observatory​​ as its crown jewel. ​​🌋 About the Observatory​​ Built entirely from ​​black volcanic rock​​, this lookout makes you feel like you've landed on another planet! On clear days, you can spot: ✔️ ​​Three Sisters​​ ⛰️ ✔️ ​​Belknap Crater​​ 🌋 ✔️ ​​Mount Washington​​ ❄️ ✔️ (If you're lucky!) ​​Mount Jefferson & Mt. Hood​​ in the distance! ​​Bonus:​​ In summer, ​​wildflowers​​ bloom between the lava cracks, creating a surreal contrast of ​​black rock, white snow, green foliage, and blue skies​​—a photographer’s dream! 📸 ​​🚗 Road Trip Tips​​ ▪️ ​​Historic vibes:​​ This was once a Native American trail, later turned into the ​​first wagon road​​ over the Cascades. You can still spot old toll road relics along the way! ▪️ ​​Drive carefully:​​ The highway is ​​narrow and shared with cyclists​​—take it slow! 🚴‍♂️ ▪️ ​​Seasonal access:​​ McKenzie Pass ​​closes in winter​​, so visit between ​​June-October​​. ​​🐟 Bonus Stop: Leaburg Dam​​ On your way back to Eugene, pull over here to: ✔️ ​​Fish for trout​​ (the dam stocks them!) 🎣 ✔️ ​​Spot bald eagles & ospreys​​ hunting (we saw one snag a fish mid-air—nature’s fast food! 😂) ✔️ ​​Relax by the river​​ with a picnic 🧺 📍 ​​Dee Wright Observatory​​ 🚗 ​​Best time to visit:​​ Summer (June-Oct) ✅ ​​Volcanic landscapes + alpine views​​ ✅ ​​Wildflowers & history​​ ✅ ​​Perfect detour from Bend to Eugene​​ (add ​​Proxy Falls​​ to your route!) ​​"Where lava meets snow And wildflowers defy the odds This is Oregon’s raw, untamed beauty"​​ 🌿💙 #PortlandTravel #OregonAdventures #VolcanicViews #BestRoadTrips #PNWLife #HikingSpots #NaturePhotography #SubaruAdventures #FishingFun #OregonSummer