Dee Wright Sunrise and Lava Flow Self Guided Tour

[Solofemalehiker35]

Dee Wright Observatory.

Visited Wednesday 7/22/20 for a sunrise did the lava self guided flow tour (1.02 miles w/148ft elevation gain). When I arrived at 4:19am there were 6 other cars in the first and second lots. One handicap spot in the first lot. The trails are handicap accessible and great for children at the observatory check information on other trails in the area. The second lot has 3 handicap accessible porta-potties, 2 Vaulted toilets and 2 trash cans (please remember leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out and leave places better than you found them.). Parking enough for 30+ cars.
Lots of informational plaques and the guided tour has informative kiosks and was very neat to walk through. Not many people there early in the am. I think I saw less than 15 people come and go in the time that I was there. Road is paved the whole way there (I came in from Sister's area). It can get very hot here and the only shade is in the observatory or your vehicle.
Several options for hiking in the area.

Sunrise through on of the Dee Wright Observatory window

Dee Wright Observatory

Dwarf tree in the lava flow could be thousands of years old.

Lava Gutter

Pressure Ridge

Cooling Crack

Meadow in the middle of lava fields

Sunrise glow on Mount Washington

View of Jefferson from Dee Wright Observatory at Sunrise.

Pre Sunrise colors from in top of the observatory.

Sunrise colors through the observatory windows.

Dee Wright Observatory from the lava flow tour with dotted dwarf trees.

One of my favorite parts of the lava tour. Walking through rock formations.

Rock formations in the lava flow.

[drm]

This seems like one of those places in Oregon that I just have to visit some day. But it would be easier to make it for the sunrise in September.

[markesc]

This seems like one of those places in Oregon that I just have to visit some day. But it would be easier to make it for the sunrise in September.

McKenzie Pass is a special place, fun road, tons of turns, and so much to see there! Thanks for posting!

Actually you should just pull an all nighter and enjoy the stars there! Plan for a new moon or crescent moon that sets post twilight. Then you just chill out, catch sunrise, then coffee up for the drive home or camp/nap/hotel it.

https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/usa/portland-or

Some of the best night skies in Oregon from my experience!