Three Sisters Wilderness, Central Oregon, USA

July 2018

The Cascade Mountain Range cuts through the states of Washington and Oregon, making a distinctive north-south line through their centers until it’s terminus at the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada Range in Northern California. Part of the Ring of Fire, the Cascades of North America contains 18 volcanoes, 7 of which have been active within the last 200 years. Central Oregon contains a cluster of volcanoes known as the Three Sisters that are a hiker’s dream. Rising up as 3 singular cone-shaped peaks, with Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top to the south, summiting any will reward you with unparalleled views of Central Oregon.

For this hike, we chose to summit South Sister, which is the 3rd highest peak in the state of Oregon at 10,358′. The hike is roughly 12 miles round trip, but you will climb 4900′ in 6 miles, some of which is on loose cinder scree. The views at the top of this inactive stratovolcano are worth it; on a clear day, you can see over 100 miles in each direction. This is a popular hike and the trail is in good condition. Please note that the summit can create its own dangerous weather conditions, so if it’s cloudy or there is a storm approaching, do not attempt to summit this mountain. We hiked in late July under warm, sunny skies and encountered less than 20 people the entire day.

Start this hike at the Devil’s Lake Trailhead, which is about 6.5 miles after Mt. Bachelor ski area on the Cascade Lakes Highway (about 40 minutes from Sunriver or Bend). You must pay a $5 day-use fee or display an Annual Northwest Forest Pass to park here. Following the South Sister Climber Trail, you cross the highway and begin your ascent through a lush mountain hemlock forest. After about 2 miles you emerge from the forest into a beautiful meadow, with views of the eponymous summit ahead. From here you can spot Broken top to your right and Mt. Bachelor behind you.

Hiking through the meadow is peaceful and easy, as you approach the base of South Sister. The ascent begins around mile 3.5, and you start your way up the steep rocky slope. About 2/3 of the way to the top, there is a saddle at the base of Lewis Glacier and a small green lake.

The final climb to the summit is a series of switchbacks along an exposed ridge. The terrain is very loose cinder scree, so it is advisable to wear sturdy boots and gaiters to avoid getting the cinder into your socks. The hard push to the top is worth every effort. As you crest the summit, you will see Oregon’s highest lake, The Teardrop Pool, which is actually made of melting glacier water. When we hiked we saw a brave man taking a very cold swim! Hike around the western rim of the crater to the official summit and take in the amazing views.

After enjoying the summit views for over an hour, we simply retraced our path back down to the car. It was a long, steep descent, so hiking poles (and knee braces in our case) are recommended.