Blue River in Lane County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
A Fittin' Tribute
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2015
1. A Fittin' Tribute Marker
When Dee Wright began work in 1910, he did not know where 24 years in the Forest Service would take him. Packing supplies for fire camps, work crews and lookouts; locating part of the Pacific Crest trail; and stories around the campfire all found a place in his work life. In 1933, as Civilian Conservation Corps foreman, Dee began installation of a viewfinder amid the jagged lava fields atop McKenzie Pass. His death in the spring of 1934 prompted the observatory to be named as a memorial to Dee and the 24 years he devoted to the Forest Service.
From the observatory, you may catch a glimpse of Dee Wright's spirit, for scattered among the Cascade peaks lie his ashes. They rest nestled in the dreams of mountains and the promises of the future.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list.
Location. 44° 15.638′ N, 121° 48.093′ W. Marker is in Blue River, Oregon, in Lane County. Marker can be reached from McKenzie Highway (Oregon Route 242) 22 miles east of Oregon Route 126, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located just west of the Dee Wright Observatory, along the trail leading from the parking
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wisely Reasoned (here, next to this marker); Dee Wright Observatory (a few steps from this marker); Old Wagon Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneer Mailman (approx. 2 miles away); Scott Road (approx. 5.1 miles away); Time Traveler (approx. 13.9 miles away); The Life of a Lake (approx. 14 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Dee Wright Observatory. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on August 6, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Dee Wright Observatory. U.S. Forest service website entry:
The observatory was designed by William N. Parke, and constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp F-23 of Company 927, during the Great Depression. The circular tower was named as a memorial to Dee Wright, an employee of the Forest Service, a long-time packer, and Conservation Corps foreman. (Submitted on February 19, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2015
2. A Fittin' Tribute Marker (wide view; Dee Wright Observatory in background)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2015
3. A Fittin' Tribute Marker (wide view showing adjacent markers)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2015
4. Dee Wright Observatory
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2015
5. View of Mount Washington from Dee Wright Observatory
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 318 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4, 5. submitted on February 20, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
