Central Oregon & the Oregon Cascades - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 555

From the lava fields of 5325ft McKenzie Pass (open approximately June to October)
you'll find stunning views of the Cascade Range and one of the youngest and largest lava
flows in the continental USA. Intriguing hikes are scattered through the area.
Perched on a swell of frozen rock at McKenzie Pass, Dee Wright Observatory is a
small fortress that was built out of lava in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It
surveys a desolate volcanic landscape, but on a clear day you can witness a dozen vol-
canic cones and mountain peaks from its arched windows. Nearby, a half-mile interpret-
ive trail winds through the lava.
Two free primitive campgrounds (no water) in the area are Scott Lake Camp ground
and Lava Camp Lake Campground , both with lakeside campsites. The campsites can't
be reserved.
A $5 day-use pass (available at ranger stations) is required for the following activities.
The Upper & Lower Proxy Falls tumble over glacier-carved walls to disappear into lava
flows. A 1.2-mile loop trail begins directly east of Mile 64, about 12 miles east of
McKenzie Bridge.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses McKenzie Pass a half-mile west of the Dee Wright
Observatory. It's 2.5 miles across barren lava flows to a spectacular viewpoint atop Little
Belknap Crater . Bring water and sun protection.
The Obsidian Trail is a very popular access point into the Three Sisters Wilderness,
but requires a $6 limited-entry permit (available through www.recreation.gov ). The full
loop to Obsidian Cliffs and back is 13 miles, but for a shorter hike go just 2.5 forested
miles to a 50ft-high lava flow with exhilarating views of the Three Sisters.
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Three Sisters Wilderness
This beautiful 283,400-acre region spans the Cascade Range and is highlighted by the
glaciered Three Sisters, three recent volcanic peaks each topping 10,000ft. The west
slope of the wilderness is known for dense old-growth forest laced with strong rivers and
streams. The glorious Pacific Crest Trail traverses the area, easily accessed from Hwy
242 at McKenzie Pass.
USFS Rd 19, also known as the Aufderheide Scenic Byway , edges the westernmost
wilderness boundary as it makes the 76-mile connection between Rainbow on Hwy 126
and Westfir (near Oakridge on Hwy 58). From French Pete Campground , one popular
trail along this route leads up French Pete Creek through old-growth forest for about 3
miles.