McKenzie Pass

The observatory, called the Dee Wright Observatory, is for viewing the mountains, not the sky. The restroom was closed "for construction" but there's no construction taking place. No water is available. There are no tables or benches. Please be aware that you'll pass through five miles of burned forest from the 2020 firestorm on the way up from Sisters.

Beautiful drive up the pass an the Dee Wright Observatory is a must stop along the way! Previous years fire on the east side has devastated the area, but the route is still beautiful. Be careful of the bicycles using this route. Some will ride 2 or 3 side by side going up & down the pass. Please give them space because there not much of a shoulder. I usually tap my horn about 50 yards to let them know I am coming up from behind. Tour groups please don’t use this route during busy times! It’s a recipe for getting someone hurt/killed. Steep grades, no shoulder, beautiful views an distractions galore just means driver & bikers will not be paying attention to the road! This is from someone who regularly rides his bike.

Dropped off my buddy here d for his PCT hike north. Beautiful serene otherworldly. Fave to visit is via bike when the road is close to cars for the winter, before or after the snow. Surrounded by wilderness on either side, this is as close as you can get to being truly immersed and wilderness, and still being on a mechanized device.

Stunning views!

Just Beautiful. Snow caped mountains. Lush green forest. Lava Rock scales the hwy...

Gorgeous. Make sure you do some hikes along the way.

Some amazing views and the observatory is a unique and interesting landmark

The Mckenzie Pass drive is beautiful and not crowded. It summits at the Dee Wright Observatory. On the side of the road is a small stone complex which allows for a view of several mountains and other geological rises in the region. Furthermore, the area is in a lava rock filed. These unique rocks add an other worldly feel to the area.

My brother concocted a scenic loop to visit Sahalie Falls on our way from Sunriver to the Oregon Garden. I was following him in our van, wondering, "Where in the heck is he taking us?!" Once we reached our destination, I got it! Though it's in the middle of nowhere, the parking lot was full. We had to park on the highway, cross and head for the path down to the falls overlook. So powerful. So beautiful. That's a lot of water! Inspired envy coming from the land of drought. Bro took the boys on a hike down through the forest, along the McKenzie River, along with a lot of other adventurous folks, to a second waterfall. One of nature's wonders! Other features of the Pass are volcanic rock formations in abundance, along with gorgeous evergreens.

"What a strange, strange trip this has been" best describes our journey on the biway. I don't know where we went wrong but somehow we managed to get lost. I had three maps and none of them included the biway. Through a series of turns and u-turns somehow we found ourselves on the right road. The drive was fun. A lot of twists and turns. A visit to Sahalie Falls is a must. The path can be a challenge for some so be sure to wear good walking shoes. There are so many spots along the drive with fantastic views. You will not be disappointed. This is a good choice for a day trip, just be sure to bring the correct map.

This is a review strictly for Sahalie Falls, which was my personal favorite waterfall in Oregon. We hadn't even heard of this beautiful place until my cousin from Sisters told us to swing by on our way to Portland. So glad we did! It was a worthwhile diversion. She printed out some directions for us before we left her house, and the best way to reach the falls from Sisters is to take the 20 West; at the 20/22 fork keep left to stay on the 20; and then at the 126 turn left. Sahalie Falls is on the right. There is a parking lot and a paved sidewalk that takes you right to the falls for a laid-back and easy photo op. You can hike if you are in the mood, or just stop for a much-needed break from the road. There are pit toilets if you really gotta go. Highly recommended!