Our first stop on the Cascade Scenic Byway was at Maiden Peak viewpoint. Nearly 7700 years ago Mt. Masama erupted approximately 70 miles southeast of here. The cataclysmic eruption not only formed Crater Lake, it changed this forest forever. Before the eruption only ponderosa pine trees extended down into the basin. Now only lodge pole pine trees can tolerate the harsh living environment on the basin floor.
The distribution of pumice from Mt. Mazama was phenomenal. 30 inches of pumice covered areas into Washington and Idaho. Areas as far north as British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, had as much as 1-5 inches of pumice on the ground. Click on the picture for a closer view of the pumice distribution.
This area also has hills of lava rock stretching for several mile from the Mt. Mazama eruption 70 miles away.
Picturesque Devil's Lake reflects the green of the surrounding pine forest.
From this viewpoint on Hwy 20 outside of Bend, Oregon, you can see Broken Top Mountain to the left and the Three Sisters Mountains in the center and right of the picture.
After going through touristy Sisters, Oregon, we drove the McKenzie Pass Byway, open only in the summer months. Here Bill is standing in the vast lava fields of that area.
The McKenzie Pass Byway follows the path of an 1860s wagon route emerging from the forest to the 5,325-foot summit of McKenzie Pass. Here you are enveloped by lava on all sides.
The Dee Wright Conservatory, a lava rock structure constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, was named for their foreman. From the observatory you can take in six Cascade Peaks on a clear day. In our travels we have seen that the CCC was responsible for building numerous roads, scenic areas and lodges all over the country for future generations to enjoy.
The half-mile Lava River Interpretive Trail is a 30 minutes walk on a paved surface through lava gutters and crevasses. You are on the boundary of two wilderness areas: Mt. Washington to the north and the Three Sisters to the south.
We followed a winding 50-mile mountain road along the McKenzie River back to Hwy 58 and then "home" to Diamond Lake RV Park. Oregon has such gorgeous scenery. We are fortunate to be able to travel around our wonderful country!
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