Dee Wright Observatory

Join Oregon Nordic Club for the traditional John Craig Ski Tour up McKenzie Pass, past Windy Ridge, through imposing lava formations to historic Dee Wright Observatory. Skiers of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to participate in the event, but also to “use common sense” about how far to go before turning around. In good weather an average skier can reach Dee Wright Observatory in about three hours and Windy Point in two, and skiers can expect to get down from the pass in about half the amount of time they took to climb.

John Craig

John Craig was a legendary postmaster who, after attempting to ski Christmas mail over McKenzie Pass in the winter of 1877, was found frozen beside his mail pouch in his shack atop McKenzie Pass. For 25 years Craig carried mail from the Willamette Valley to Eastern Oregon, by horseback in the summer and on his own back in the winter. Mystery still shrouds the details of his death, but a few details of his life give some insights to his stubborn pioneer spirit.

Oregon Nordic Club has held some form of event to and back from the pass nearly every year since 1972 to honor Craig’s memory and to get people interested in Nordic skiing. Craig’s story provides an interesting underlying theme, and serves to impress upon people the hardships of carrying the mail across the pass at that time. “This is one of those great ski traditions,” said volunteer JD Downing, coach for XC Oregon, “I wish more people knew about it.”