Mason Dam Viewpoint sits at mile 6 of Elkhorn Drive, at 4,155 feet, on the east end of Phillips Lake above the dam. The overlook faces east, directly toward sunrise, and the terrain drops 146 feet within 600 meters of the site. Dooley Mountain is visible to the southeast, 10.4 miles away, rising to 6,137 feet. The USFS notes that reaching the view requires a short hike down a trail from the byway, with panoramic views of Phillips Lake and the surrounding forest from the overlook itself. Mason Dam Picnic Area and Mason Dam Boat Launch are located nearby. Baker City is 10.8 miles to the northeast, Union is 37.6 miles north, and Prairie City is 37.8 miles west-southwest. Sunrise and sunset times vary by season, with sunrise at 05:07 near the June solstice and as late as 07:27 near the December solstice. The next lookout along the byway is Baker Valley Overlook.
Named terrain inside the view from this overlook, nearest first.
This overlook faces sunrise — 0° off square to it.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Golden hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | 06:56 | 19:05 | 18:26 |
| June solstice | 05:07 | 20:42 | 19:57 |
| September equinox | 06:40 | 18:51 | 18:13 |
| December solstice | 07:27 | 16:15 | 15:27 |
Local time (America/Los_Angeles). Computed for this exact position.
Mile 6 of 101 along Elkhorn Drive.
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The Mason Dam Viewpoint is set on the east end of Phillips Lake above the dam. Located off the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway (also known as Highway 7) the viewpoint is just a short hike down the trail and offers panoramic views of Phillips Lake and the surrounding forest. Located nearby are Mason Dam Picnic Area and Mason Dam Boat Launch.
Mason Dam Viewpoint sits at about 4,155 feet (1,266 m).
From Mason Dam Viewpoint: Dooley Mountain (SE, 10 mi).
Sunrise. The land falls away from Mason Dam Viewpoint toward the sunrise, so at sunset the light is behind you. Exact times shift through the year; the page shows the current window.
Baker City, 11 miles NE of Mason Dam Viewpoint.
Baker Valley Overlook is the next surfaced lookout along the same route after Mason Dam Viewpoint.
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