Dee Wright Observatory – Lane County, Oregon - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Dee Wright Observatory

Lane County, Oregon

While it is not equipped to peer into outer space this observatory looks like it was built on the moon. 

View all photos
Dee Wright Observatory Karitxa (Atlas Obscura User)
Dee Wright Observatory Karitxa (Atlas Obscura User)
Dee Wright Observatory Karitxa (Atlas Obscura User)
Dee Wright Observatory David Berry on Flickr (Creative Commons)
Dee Wright Observatory Blake Handley on Flickr (Creative Commons)
392
861
Top Places in Oregon
Deep in the forest
The Duplicative Forest
Lexington, Oregon
Woodstock Mystery Hole
Portland, Oregon
Mount Thielsen Fulgurites
Crescent, Oregon
 See All

Looking more like a primitive lava rock castle than a scenic lookout, the Dee Wright Observatory offers lovely views of the surrounding peaks through a structure that seems to naturally rise up from the jagged stones around it.

Named after a foreman that died the year previous to the finishing of the structure, the observatory was built Civilian Conservation Corp during the Great Depression in 1935. Using the same rough lava rock that surrounds the entire site, it was placed specifically so that it could offer a view of each of the numerous peaks of the nearby Cascade range. The rocky shelter features a number of viewing windows, some of which were specifically aligned to capture views of specific peaks. Beneath each targeting window is the name of the peak which can be viewed from it.    

The upper level of the observatory also has a brass compass that points visitors towards each of the surrounding peaks once again naming them.

observatories martian landscapes mountains ecosystems
Nearby
Proxy Falls
5.67 miles
Sahalie Falls
10.60 miles
Clear Lake
11.34 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Proxy Falls (technically, Lower Proxy Falls)
McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Proxy Falls

This frequently-photographed waterfall takes only a short hike to visit.
Sahalie Falls
McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Sahalie Falls

Rushing water plunges over a 100-foot drop created by an ancient lava flow at this majestic waterfall.
Sisters, Oregon

Clear Lake

The trunks of 3,000 year-old trees lurk beneath the surface of this crystal clear lake in Oregon.
No Name Lake.
Oregon

No Name Lake

Unknown to many, this sparkling turquoise lake hides amid Oregon's snowcapped mountains.
Related Places
Stonecrest, Georgia

Arabia Mountain

Like Mars, but much closer.
Cabezon Peak
New Mexico

Cabezon Peak

This towering volcanic plug stands out among the dramatic formations that dot this otherworldly desert valley.
El Tatio geysers seen in the morning from Cerro Soquete.
Campamento Geotermico Corfo, Chile

El Tatio Geysers

The largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere is a spectacular sight.
Villavieja, Colombia

Tatacoa Desert

Unparalleled stargazing, one of Colombia's best observatories, and a swimming pool can all be found in the middle of this ancient tropical forest.
Appears in 1 List
Octopus Tree of Oregon
List

A Nature Lover's Guide to Oregon

Take a breath of fresh air at one of these 12 unusual outdoor destinations.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web