The Dee Wright Observatory is actually in Willamette National Forest but just barely. At 5,187 ft., McKenzie Pass is the highest point on State Rt 242 which is open only during summer months. Crossing the relatively young lava field, State Rt 242 is just one leg of the McKenzie-Santiam Scenic Byway. The Byway's 89.6 miles includes State Rts. 242 and 126 and a stretch of US Rt. 20. Contact either Sistes Ranger District in Deschutes National Forest or McKenzie River Ranger District in Willamette National Forest for more information about the Byway.
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