Sept. 3, 2014 -- Dee Wright Observatory; Clear Lake:
Check out day!  Those 3 nights went fast.  Now we were to make our way into the Willamette Valley.  That is where I lived many years ago and vacationed at my folks' house for many of my adult vacations.   We would often ride up to Clear Lake, so it was nice having a chance to do that again.  So we packed up, checked out of our condo, and headed west---taking our time getting to the valley.
First, we headed to Dee Wright Observatory.  We just chanced upon this place many years ago on one of our trips to Clear Lake.   It was such a surprise!  You'll be riding around in the forest, then all of a sudden it changes to all lava. 
There is a half-mile long Lava River Interpretive Trail  which begins at the observatory, and takes visitors on a 30-minute walk through lava beds. The trail is paved and easy to follow. Interpretive panels, located along the trail highlight the geology of the area.

 The observatory is an open shelter built with lava stone found at the construction site. The viewing windows are cut to specifically highlight the neighboring mountains.  The observatory was built during the Great Depression by a Civilian Conservation Corps crew at Camp Belknap near Clear Lake. 

 These "lava tube" viewing holes allow visitors to easily identify the different Cascade peaks---like Sisters below.

 the 65-square-mile lava flow came from this mountain, Little Belknap Crater.

 There is also a 36 inch diameter, bronze "peak finder" on the observatory’s roof to help visitors locate nearby geologic features as well as the surrounding mountain peaks.

 From here we continued along the McKenzie – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway.  It is an 82 miles loop from the town of Sisters, through the forest, over the lava field, along the McKenzie River, past Clear Lake, then back up to Sisters. 

Just another view of the lava field.

 A short distance farther and we were in the forest again.

 We even came upon another little lake that we had never been to before.

 We continued on the McKenzie pass to the McKenzie River where we walked to 2 more waterfalls.  Coming from the lava fields, we first came to the McKenzie River by Koosah FAlls.

  Koosah Falls is the second of the three major waterfalls of the McKenzie River. Spreading out over a wide undercut basalt ledge, the river thunders 64 feet into a huge pool with several small springs feeding into the river adjacent.

 Top of Koosah Falls.

 The roaring McKenzie River.

 We walked the half mile or so trail from Koosah to  Sahalie Falls.

 Along the way we had great views of the McKenzie River. 

 More of the McKenzie.  Hard to believe this river starts a few short miles away at Clear Lake.  The river sustains a very significant volume all year long thanks to the large drainage area to the northeast over the plains of lava flows. Water doesn't linger on the surface and seeps underground, forming one of the larger aquifers in Oregon, then it all emerges in springs around Clear Lake. The result is one of the most consistent rivers in the northwest. 

 Sahalie Falls is the first and tallest of three major waterfalls along the McKenzie River. This sheer plunge is 73 feet.

A type of jay bidding us farewell from Sahalie Falls.

 Next stop, Clear Lake.  It has a  maximum depth of 200 feet and average water temperature of 43 degrees year-round.

It definitely lives up to it's name!

 We rented a row boat for the day for $30 (no motor boats allowed) and took our picnic to the middle of the lake!

We've often talked about renting one of the cabins here at the lake, but never got around to it.  But we've often rented boats here and have often eaten lunch here at the lodge.  But being after Labor Day, the diner was closed during the week.  

It was another beautiful day in the 70s or 80s.  

Our picnic included 2 bottles of wine.  I don't know if the guys got any of it, but Coni and I sure enjoyed it.  We also had crackers and cheese and sausage to go with it.  

 Good thing the guys didn't expect us to help with the rowing.

 Loved that we got to see some of the fall colors, too.

Obviously I love the beauty of Clear Lake!

 Another good view of the clarity of the water.

 Some of the water foul here.

 A fisherman here.  We even saw him catch something.  We use to love coming here right after it was stocked.  You could actually see the fish playing with your bait.

After rowing around the lake for about 3 hours, we decided to head on down the road.  And down we went! 

 This is another lake we've fished in the past --- Detroit Lake.  We passed it on our way down.

We made it to Salem about 7 and checked into our hotel for the night --- a 2 bedroom suite at the Residence Inn also picked up by Coni and John.  Nice place.

All checked in, we then headed out for dinner.  Time to get some Ugo's Pizza in Dallas---my "home" town and my brother's former pizza restaurant (now owned by his son-in-law).  Called my sister and brother and they and their families joined us.  Nice dinner and nice visit.  Then back to the hotel and we even used the jacuzzi and pool.