Panorama from the last overlook heading east on the McKenzie Pass Highway before we left the lava beds and headed downhill toward Sisters.
The instigator of all of the lava.
Heather, the PC800, and Mount Washington.
Dee Wright Observatory at McKenzie Pass
At the summit of McKenzie Pass at the pullout for the Dee Wright Observatory we found this little fellow.
We also found a bunch of hot cars starting down the pass to the west.
Mount Washington to the north.
Heather makes friends with Rufus.
The Dee Wright Observatory.
In the observatory’s inner sanctum.
The inscription plaque inside the observatory. Note the “modern” cars at the bottom of the plaque and the old wagons at the top. The plaque was installed in the 30s by the CCC.
Small observation windows were placed around the building to give straight sight-line views to various nearby peaks. Mount Hood (a not-so-nearby peak) was even listed.
Mount Washington to the north. Mount Hood would also be visible over Mount Washington’s east (right) flank if the day were clearer.
Looking east toward Black Butte and Sisters.
Black Butte if I remember correctly.
The marker at the top. It was cast by Benson Polytechnic School in Portland, Oregon in 1937. Neat!
The car park.
The Three Sisters in the clouds.
A butte to the southeast.
Heather and me on the top of the observatory.
Panorama from the top looking south.
Panorama from the top looking north.
Panorama from the top looking east.
Three Sisters Overlook on the McKenzie Pass Highway
We had an amazing view of the Three Sisters from the highway. This is looking from the highway south. I don’t think I would want to climb the South Sister on this particular day. Too many clouds and threats of thunder storms.
The highway is rather narrow. I wouldn’t suggest a wide or long vehicle take this road!
Heather and the bike.
