We drove to Scott Lake from Bend via Sisters along OR 242. It’s 90 miles round trip and takes about two hours without stopping, but you will want to stop, often, because there is so much to see.

Even though it’s been hazy and smokey here this week, we decided to give this drive a go because of the spectacular scenery. Along this route you’ll see views of Mount Washington, Three Sisters from the north-west side, a huge lava flow, Dee Wright Observatory, and Scott Lake.

The main purpose of the drive was to arrive at Scott Lake to get a reflection shot of the Sisters before the wind kicked up. We kind of made it in time. Drive to the end of the of NF 260 dirt road to the campground which has good orientation to make the Sisters photo.

Along the way, there are turn outs to photograph Mount Washington and the Sisters.

Dee Wright Observatory is one of the most interesting buildings we have ever been in. It provides a 360 degree view of the Cascades and we were lucky enough to see all the way to Mount Hood over a hundred miles away. The observatory has small windows inside that line up with over ten different mountains. The top of the observatory has a brass compass that lines up with even more mountains. It is quite a feat of engineering and vision.

After the drive, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy in Sisters.