This was a great ride out of Quinn Meadows Horse Camp. You start on the Sink Creek trail when you get up near the highway you take the flagged trail to the right and follow the yellow flags for about a mile, turn right when you intersect a main trail (Katsup but not marked at that point) follow it to the headwaters then you can return to camp.
★
★
★
★
★
Excellent views of all the peaks around Sisters, OR. It’s fairly popular so go early during peak seasons.
★
★
★
★
★
Black butte offers rather amazing views of next to all surrounding known sites short of Mt.Bachelor. So you see in fairly close proximity in order north to south: Mt. Jefferson, three-fingered jack, mt. Washington, Belnap, the three sisters and Brock back
★
★
★
★
★
Solid mix of trails for all riders. Last section of this line got a little western but nothing you can’t go around.
★
★
★
★
★
Really enjoy proximity of these biking trails to town. Lots of parking, restrooms. Can get busy after work and on wknds.
There’s lots of options but many of the trails seem a bit similar.
★
★
★
★
Well the course was longer than expected; very beautiful but unrelenting uphill.
★
★
★
★
This hike goes by multiple beautiful waterfalls. Go early and have the trail and views to yourself.
★
★
★
★
★
Alpine start 4:30am and hike to Green Lakes is great. Pleasant grade and elevation gain to Green Lakes, would be a great overnight spot. Had to cross knee deep water between Green Lake to begin climb toward Lewis Tarn and the South Sister climbers trail. This 2 mile screw scramble was the crux of the climb, navigating across small snow fields and various scree ribs was far more taxing than the ‘red mile’. Once at Lewis Tarn, joined the other climbers going for the summit, slow and steady wins here. On the way back down, find the most logical route to avoid kicking rocks down on people coming up. The side trails down toward Moraine Lake are posted as closed for restoration so walked a bit further toward the Moraine Lake trail where the campsites are. Rejoined Green Lakes trail to the trailhead. Long satisfying day in the mountains!
★
★
★
★
★
Really pretty hike to two lakes. Very few mosquitoes on this one. A few downed trees, but they were easy to get over. The map wouldn’t come up on Giai so I had to use AllTrails:(
★
★
★
★
★
Three Sisters Wilderness Backpack 2023
Day One, Lava Camp Lake TH start at 3 pm
Dry trail, lots of people leaving on a Monday afternoon.
Quick arrival to South Matthieu Lake
A few flowers and gorgeous views of Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, and Mt Hood
★
★
★
Great entrance to Maiden Peak which has one of the best views in all of the cascade range. Diamond Peak, Thielsen, Bailey, Scott, McLaughlin all visible to the south. Sisters, Bachelor, Broken Top, Washington, Three Finger Jack, Jefferson, Hood all visible to the North
★
★
★
★
★
Day Two, Heading down the PCT to Minnie Scott Spring—only a few miles and 1000’ but we’ll set up camp then day hike summit Collier Come and double the elev and distance. Great hike up Collier Cone with views of North Sister and Brother. Gray rock at the beginning was moraine (terminal?) pushed by glacier. Looking at the former glacier up N. Sister, lateral moraines could be seen with a glacial lake
★
★
★
★
The trail itself is beautiful and easy to navigate. Only made it to Doris Lake and turned around because the mosquitoes were out in force. Hope to do the entire hike when there are less mosquitoes.
★
★
★
★
★
Starts on a gravel road, takes a fire road that was recently brushed, (a couple dead ends and a hill climb) to a game trail. Discovered an abandoned outhouse and destroyed vehicle probably from the latest forest fire in the area.
★
★
★
★
★
Please contact me if you find a petzl summit Ice axe. Left up there yesterday. Much appreciated. 8045646229
★
★
★
★
★
I’m new to Bend and had a lovely hike. The trail was lost in the snow so I just followed the foot/snowshoe/dog tracks that lead me to a beautiful view at the summit.
★
★
★
★
There are a lot of snowmobiles in the area but the skiing/shoeing trails are kept separate. The snow conditions are marginal but it gets better there higher you go. The restaurant and tavern makes an excellent turn around spot.
★
★
★
★
★
We enjoyed this hike! It is a great summer trail. Make sure to start early before 5am to beat the crowds and the heat. Pack plenty of water and don't forget a hat! After the first section in tree line, the trail becomes very exposed, hot, and dry. We attempted a summit around early July and there was snow, but overall minimal minus one small snowfield we had to cross, and one near the false summit area. We brought an ice axe and our crampons and micro spikes just in case, but didn't end up needing them. We did the hike in one day. Made for a long day. It took us approximately 7 or 8 hours with plenty of breaks. It is common to start the hike in afternoon or evening before, backpack and camp along the route, and summit during sunrise. Beautiful hike with 360 views of cascade volcanoes. Definitely worth the trek for expansive views. We brought our pup, but she got quite hot. Make sure to bring enough water for them, trail snacks, and booties for their feet.
Check out our Three Sisters Video on our channel:
https://youtu.be/haepkHHcJc8
https://www.youtube.com/HelenandTimTravel/videos
★
★
★
★
★
2nd summit trip, arrived at Moraine lake around 7:10PM plan to leave around 4:00 am for summit.
★
★
★
★
★
A new favorite hike. Large parking area with ready access from Sisters. There were people on the trail but still a fair amount of isolation, excluding T-Mobile cell service which was relatively constant. The trail itself is well maintained and a fairly constant grade the entire route, views are spectacular (because of) the recent fire burns.
★
★
★
★
★
Incredibly challenging day. A lot of climbing and descending over extremely rough terrain and rocky aggregate. Most amazing views from the top.
★
★
★
★
★
Always like to do this trail . Great views and two lakes. Went clockwise this time.
★
★
★
★
★
I recommend going counterclockwise so that the hardest part is out of the way early. Getting around broken hand is always a little problematic. The snow that remains was not much of a factor and was probably easier to walk on than the loose scree or the boulders. Good view from the top as always except smoke limited the view to Mount Jefferson and not Hood or Adams. There were quite a few people coming up from the trail head at Brokentop Trailhead since it had just opened. The opening of the Noname Lake had no snow and was easy to get down. After getting down there is a large snow bridge that makes it easier to get a crossed. I got my last filtered water just before Brokentop trail head. There was One stream I needed to splash a crossed because it was too deep to step on rocks.
★
★
★
★
Hike back through mile of blowdown around noname lake on Green Lakes Trail. Good to be heading home; kids did well!
★
★
★
Lots of blowdown of dead trees over trail made for a challenging day for green backpackers
★
★
★
This is a great trail, we in countered a lot of snow and wish we had had some hiking sticks. With 1400 feet of altitude gain I wouldn’t call it easy. I am a fit 67 year old and I would call it moderate.
★
★
★
★
Views of Mt. Thielsen, the sisters and Mt. Bachelor. If you're unfit like me, you'll find the middle section of the hike sweat-inducing, but overall an amazing walk. Oh, and of course Obsidian Flow, East and Paulina Lake.
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful waterfalls and great views of the Sisters but 80% of the hike goes through a significantly burned area without much tree cover
★
★
★
★
The first part of the trail reminded me of driving stick in stop-and-go traffic where you can’t get past 2nd gear. Sort of relentless but not brutal incline. But then you get 2/3 of the way up and it levels out and it feels like you can finally put it in 3rd gear and take it easy. The trail is great, the views spectacular.
★
★
★
★
★
Amazing place to go ride, beautiful scenery, wildlife and tons of trail, didn’t hit any single track tho
★
★
★
★
Unbelievable views of the Sisters. Had to skin up Hayden glacier. Amazing ride down.
★
★
★
★
★
Started around 3400’ elevation on a Forest Services road. It was 2.0 miles from there to the upper trailhead. There are no views to speak of on this lower part of the trail—just no passes required and a more complete hike of Black Butte. 2.0 miles from the upper trailhead to the viewing platform hidden behind the cupola hut. The views after the first switchback are amazing and it only gets better.
★
★
★
★
★
Wanted to get to the lava beds. Crossed a railroad track. Bushwhacked a little. Went down a random dirt road. Found another trail. Missed my intended short cut and added a couple extra miles. Fun.
★
★
★
★
★
This is the off season for this area so I only saw a couple people. Plus I like hiking in the morning the trails are still frozen and not muddy. I was determined to find a loop and was pleasantly surprised that it was doable from the cabin at Cold Springs Resort near the Camp Sherman store and post office.
The river and creeks were so full and beautiful.
★
★
★
★
Amazing Trail with some epic viewpoints along the way. I did an overnight backpacking trip with 4 others during the summer of 2021. We setup camp North of Broken Hand & then hiked out to a peak just SW of Broken Hand to watch an amazing sun settle down between the Sisters before disappearing all together. I awoke the next morning to an AMAZING Sunrise that I was able to view right through my open tent door. The hike in and out was amazing because of the beautiful views all around. Lots of wild flowers were in bloom and there was still sections covered in snow. Standing atop of the rim and looking down into the valley is quite a sight. This is a great overnight backpacking trail/location.
★
★
★
★
★
Lovely snowshoe trail through snowy forest! Separate from ski trail which is always nice! Swampy hut has a huge stove and sliding doors so it’s extra warm!
★
★
★
★
★
Lovely snowshoe trail through snowy forest! Separate from ski trail which is always nice! Swampy hut has a huge stove and sliding doors so it’s extra warm!
★
★
★
★
★
Dirt trail, well used. Somewhat steady incline. Description says easy, but hike is more moderate depending on user. Didn’t feel too steep on way down. Lower 1/3 of trail is heavily forested with some open stretches towards mid to upper summit. Few false summits to tease you, and the many kids saying what we’re only half way? Probably better for kids who don’t mind a bigger climb-incline. Walk around somewhat bald top for views of Mt. Bachelor, Sisters, and Broken Top.
★
★
★
★
★
We overlanded. Saw Derrick’s Cave and the larges juniper tree in Oregon, and I think USA.
Michael Pyburn, Elliott Groenwald, Jeremy, Lisa, Dwight, Chris and Also Rebecca and her daughter Chloe. They brought Gary.
★
★
★
★
It’s an out and back hike that crosses Tumalo creek and follows past several small to large waterfalls. Mostly shaded, gradual climb, secure footing on single track.
★
★
★
★
★
This is a great loop with some challenging moments due to blowdown and sun exposure. I started and finished this backpack at the Pole Creek Trailhead. The Pole Creek area was completely burned out in 2012. It's not the most fantastic part of the hike, but it's nice to see that it's slowly recovering. It also had a ton of blowdown on the return from Matthieu Lake, which was very tedious after a bit. Many trail reports I read said to skip this part. I'll leave that for you to decide. The rest of the loop was beautiful. The major highlights were Green Lakes, Moraine Lake, Linton Meadows, The Obsidian Limited Entry Area/Opie Dilldock Pass, Matthieu Lake, the views of all of the mountains, the wildflower displays, and of course, the people that I met along the way. The low lights were as aforementioned, the burned-out, Pole Creek area, and the sun exposure. It was in the 80s most of the time I was on the trail. When I wasn't in shade, the sun made it feel much hotter. On that note, make sure you have extra water for the Obsidian Limited Entry Area/Opie Dilldock Pass area and from Matthieu Lake to the Pole Creek trailhead. You'll certainly need it. Obsidian Falls is a great water refill spot, but you'll also pass another creek (White Branch?) which is your last option until Matthieu Lake. At Matthieu Lake you can refill for the rest of your trek through the Pole Creek burn area, which has no water in the summer months.
PERMITS: As of this year you need a permit to overnight. The permit system certainly made for a much quieter experience in the wilderness. I'd go hours without seeing someone. The busiest section was definitely the PCT. Check out my blog post here for more info:
https://www.cbakerphotography.com/blog/three-sisters-wilderness-loop-2021
★
★
★
★
★
A straightforward, uphill hike from the Dutchman Flat parking area (crowded on a weekend), with rewarding views from the top. The wide vistas offer a good sense of the volcanic history of this area.
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful area with numerous lakes scattered throughout. Well maintained trails branching off of the PCT and numerous options to camp beside lakes.
★
★
★
★
Lots of vertical terrain up this mountain to the summit at 9050 feet. We saw only three others on the trail this weekday. Once you get above tree line the trail can be hard to follow, especially where there is snow. Windy on top, but fun to watch the ravens soaring and gliding and diving. Great views 360 degrees.
★
★
★
★
A strenuous but very rewarding hike with views improving along the way as we neared the base of Broken Top and enjoyed full and unobstructed vistas with all Of the Three Sisters before us, in addition to many of the more distant peaks.
★
★
★
★
★
This is a great 1.1 mile hike through ancient Lava flows, very beautiful. There are numerous tree stump casts throughout. This is a great hike for families.
★
★
★
★
★
Fantastic. Did this as practice for our Olympic trip. Originally planned to do it in two nights, but I didn’t want to rush back to work, so we settled on a one-nighter. About eight miles in I decided that we would try to summit Broken Hand at sunrise on Monday. We booked it past Green Lakes and hiked for an hour after sunset, pitching out tent in the dark and eating salami burritos for dinner. First day was 14ish miles. Woke up at 3:30am, had camp broken in an hour, and started our climb. We made it to No Name Lake by 6:25am, not quite making our goal of reaching Broken Hand. Glad we got to No Name with some sunlight, though, as the next two miles were highly technical and dangerous. Had oatmeal loaded with trail mix and butter for breakfast on the east side of Broken Hand. My right knee and IT band started to ache a mile below Broken Hand. Emily’s heels blistered almost immediately, but she was a trooper and made it all the way though. Views were incredible, we were above the smoke, and temperatures weren’t that bad. We expect the olympic trip to be smooth sailing after this.
★
★
★
★
★
This was a great hike, both challenging and very scenic. We spent 11 hours on the mountain so be prepared for a good workout. Bring plenty of water (we had 4 liters) and food (burned about 4500 calories). Also, trekking poles and gators will be especially handy in the deep scree and volcanic rock. The scenery was diverse, volcanic landscapes, glacial lakes and views of the Sisters, Broken Top and Bachelor.
★
★
★
★
★
This was an easy perfect hike for us! Beautiful waterfalls on this out and back. We were on the trail by 8:30 am and traffic was light. By the time we finished up the parking lot was full and lots of people checking out the first falls!
★
★
★
★
★
Lots of mosquitoes, hot without much cover. Other than that amazing hike
★
★
★
★
★
Short and relatively smooth-trailed, coupled with an average 15% grade to the top, so not sure it’s really easy, but certainly not difficult…maybe easy-moderate.
Mostly to partly shaded via Ponderosa Pine canopy until popping out above tree-line +/- 2/3 of the way up.
Beautiful views along the path and at the top where I was treated with female hummingbird (Rufous, Anna’s, Calliope?) song and visit.
First time visitor to the area, I appreciated the signage at the summit viewing area detailing the peaks in view - could see all, including (maybe) a very, very, very faint Mt Adams NNE of Mt Hood.
About an hour outside of Bend. Last 5-mi +/- are washboarded and somewhat rough, but without significant potholes…no issue for my Forester.
Nice way way to spend a half-day.
★
★
★
★
Short on switchbacks with solid views from the top. Seemed fairly popular even on the morning of the fourth of July. Might be a good one to get done early.
★
★
★
★
Mosquitos once warmed up and patches of snow between Blow and Doris
★
★
★
★
Mosquitos once warmed up and patches of snow between Blow and Doris
★
★
★
★
Lake Creek Trail to Suttle Lake Loop. Camp Sherman to Suttle Lake: Gentle, steady elevation gain yet enough to feel your quads (ponderosa pine forest with tall manzanita in places; sometimes 2 track). Arriving Suttle Lake, single track on the water’s edge. Some roots, occasional rock. Traversing a few campgrounds on the lake. Return trip downhill, fast, flowy.
Easy ride yet you’ll need to pay attention along the lake (roots, and ups and downs).
Super light traffic overall yet pedestrian and MTB traffic picks up around the lake.
Go into Camp Sherman afterward; HOLA restaurant is a treat.
★
★
★
★
★
Good June hike, snow free, great waterfalls, some wild flowers. Intermittent shade, go early for best parking and down hill in the heat. You share the trail with mountain bikers that we found nice.
★
★
★
★
★
The "only the last quarter mile has nice views" mistakes that only lakes and mountains are good views. The hike goes through amazing remnants of past volcanos and the results of their eruption. Seeing how nature threw around borders that have stayed put to this day is fascinating and another version of a nice view.
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful area, easy drive. Clean with lots of public access. When I was there several campgrounds were closed. Make sure you check. Lots of Fishermans
★
★
★
★
★
Very nice, easy walk around the lake. Would be good with children.
★
★
★
★
This is mainly a Snowmobiler trail but once in the woods towards Paulina peak, it’s beautiful and serene. I think winter would be best time.
★
★
★
★
This is mainly a Snowmobiler trail but once in the woods towards Paulina peak, it’s beautiful and serene. I think winter would be best time.
★
★
★
★
Bombed straight up with the Backcountry skiing setup from initial entrance to lot. Made it up to The Bench. Beautiful
★
★
★
★
★
stars
Kate L 3 years, 8 months ago
This is Nancy’s Loop, part of the cross country ski trail at the Three Sisters Upper Snow Park. Because most of it is in the burned area of the forest, it is quite poorly marked in places so you definitely need to navigate by GPS if you can’t find the blue markers and the snow is fresh with no other skier’s trail. Definitely less traveled than the main up and down route. I generally go up the main route to the Jefferson shelter at top and then come down this loop which ends up merging with Warrens Loop to the main trail.
★
★
★
★
★
Fresh snow; had a nice window to ski the loop before freezing rain snow. Even had a rainbow over the meadows.
★
★
★
★
Glorious sunny day after a 8” of fresh powder. We did the reverse route this time.
★
★
★
★
★
Awesome short snowshoe loop to the Meissner shelter! Had beers and salmon sandwiches!
★
★
★
★
Down the road past the turn off to get them falls to best son they park.
★
★
★
★
Trail is good shape, lots of people out for a nice November day. Wish I could’ve camped at Green Lakes! Was so beautiful!
★
★
★
★
★
Great hike with easy access from Sisters Oregon. Ponderosa Pines and the wild and scenic Whychus creek
★
★
★
★
★
Cute lake. Decent hike but note that the first half is through a major burn (avoid on hot days due to a lack of shade). Gets forested after 3.5 miles in.
★
★
★
★
Hiked this in the clockwise direction. Makes for the first day being the hardest but also the most amazing views. Day two is lovely and not too long to Golden Lake. The hike out is fairly unremarkable but makes for a nice highway back to your car.
★
★
★
★
★
Moraine lake was cooler than expected. Great views. Interesting geology
★
★
★
First time hiking this trail and it’s an instant classic. The scenic beauty and a relatively easy hike make this a unique one for the area. While it is almost 7 mi in length, the elevation gain is minimal. It is often flat or very little grade. The amount of waterfalls viewable is incredible!
★
★
★
★
★
I did this hike with my son back in 2000 just before he left to go to graduate school at the University of North Carolina. It was a wonderful father/son experience. It still remains so after 20 years. Shortly afterwards my wife and I gave him a framed photograph of the sisters so he could show his North Carolina colleagues what real mountains look like.
★
★
★
★
★
Dusty double track, gradually slimming to a single track at higher elevations. Horse and bike traffic. Some obstructed views to the lake.
★
★
Great ride, hot in the long open stretches under skimpy lodge pole pines. Nice lodge with cold drinks, ice cream in a case, and fun things to buy.
★
★
★
★
★
This trail is like being the attractive sister of a super model. Comparing it to the Green Lakes Trail isn’t really fair because that’s a magnificent trail. Problem is, it’s a super highway and loaded with tons of people nearly every day. I had miles long stretches not seeing anyone on Soda Creek which makes it VERY attractive in my opinion. One of my favorites in Central OR.
★
★
★
★
★
Amazing hike once again. Was able to complete this with my wife. She really enjoyed the hike even though it was a challenge. We did not set any speed records, but successfully made the top and returned home safely. Awesome hike to spend time with her! Beware of the scree!
★
★
★
★
★
The is a good short one for the runners out there and a really good one for people taking a side trip out of Bend.. trails in great condition and some volcanic scree near the top but filling your shoes like! Well marked. Great views. Bring poles and don’t forget the buff to COVID COVER your mouth.. cheers
★
★
★
★
★
Pretty and super-easy for anyone. The upper viewpoint is just a few steps from the parking lot.
★
★
★
★
★
Super beautiful area. July had tons of mosquitoes. Trailhead rough and needs 4wd.
★
★
★
★
★
Good single track, thru Pine forest out & back to Indian Ford SP. Horse riders on narrow trail tricky at times.
★
★
★
★
Nice hike. Pretty steady uphill but path is pretty smooth. Great views but experience somewhat diminished by by parking lot at top.
★
★
★
★
Beautiful, long hike through wildflowers and open vistas on the way to Green Lakes. After lunch a shorter hike—at first along the magnificent lava flow and flower lined creek, then through tall hemlocks and past rushes of cascades back to the car.
★
★
★
★
Great falls. Can be hot and dusty. Steep if you press on to Upper Chush Falls.
★
★
★
★
First three miles was through a burned out area. Some nice views and the wildflowers were in bloom.
★
★
★
Wasn’t able to finish the loop because there was too much snow on the PCT part and we didn’t bring the right equipment. Hiked in through square lake and up past jack lake for a couple nights of backpacking. Beautiful views, lots of bugs, moderate hike. Will be back.
★
★
★
★
★
This is a great option to the legendary Green Lakes Trail. Only difference is lack of the huge Mountain Views at the end.
★
★
★
★
★
stars
Kate L 4 years, 4 months ago
This is a welcome respite from the mobs that crowd the trail along the river. It is frequented by mountain bikers so there might be a lot of stepping off the trail, but because it goes through an area that was burned a few decades ago, the views are incredible and the young forest is lovely. Although the simplest way back is to join the crowds along the river, you can loop further south along the Swampy Trail and stay clear of congestion.
★
★
★
★
★
stars
Kate L 4 years, 4 months ago
What an amazing trail! I was silly enough to go to Tumalo Falls on the July 4 weekend late morning and it was a zoo. We found this trail that climbs the mountain instead of going along the river and we skipped the mobs entirely. The trail is lovely.
★
★
★
★
★
This hike was beautiful! Still some snow areas in some areas along the trail and some ice in the lake. Great trail that has a more gradual incline over the ascent. Trail
Is along the river for much of it.
★
★
★
★
★
Didn’t find any morels. Looked like we are a little late. Found a couple already harvested.
★
Nothing special. Just a nice little forested hike. Didn’t see a single person the whole time, which was the best part. Sat and has lunch on the shore of Cultus Lake before heading back.
★
★
★
Upper Chush Falls was shockingly high. Cascade Falls was cool and Lower Chush falls was larger than expected and amazing.
★
★
★
★
★
Strenuous & steep, but well worth the views (we luckily had great visibility yesterday). Exposed trail after the first 1.5 miles. Hiking poles definitely recommended! The 3 dogs in our group made it to the summit with us without any issue. Pack extra water for them as it is scarce along the way.
★
★
★
★
Snow was not great, but a great hike during Covid. Skiing something is better than nothing
★
★
★
Perfect, blue bird day for snowshoeing. No wind and could see die to Mt. Shasta in CA. Lighg fleece was all that was needed.
★
★
★
★
★
An easy 2.0 mile loop trail starting at the Lava Island boat launch parking area. Outbound trail is in the upland above the canyon. After dropping down to a pond the route follows the Deschutes River Trail back to the boat launch parking area.
★
★
★
★
★
Such a beautiful day-started out lightly snowing and then sunny with blue skies.
★
★
★
★
★
Some snow and a few patches of mud in the afternoon but weather was perfect. Road from Todd Lake TH to Broken Top TH is extremley rough, you need a high clearance vehicle. Great hike!
★
★
★
★
★
A hike up Black Butte is the perfect way to cap off a trip to the Metolius River.
★
★
★
★
★
Incredible loop! We found this on the REI Trail Project site and were intrigued by the description of waterfalls. The loop was a great mix of creek views, waterfalls, shaded stretches, and partial vistas. Couldn’t recommend this highly enough.
★
★
★
★
★
This is a great view hike. The lower part of the hike up is shaded, but the upper half is mostly open. Good views from the summit of South and Middle Sister, Broken Top and Bachelor.
★
★
★
★
The road to Broken Top TH was rough! I have a 2013 Outback and it was sketchy in a couple of spots. Saw a few Crosstreks that had a better time due to the shorter wheelbase.
Vault toilet at the TH, not in bad shape and plenty of TP.
The hike in was so nice and mellow, actually descended about 600’ to Green Lakes. The elevation didn’t start til 4.5-5 miles then it went up relentlessly. The ridgeline was exposed and rock was chossy but the path was wide enough and pretty straightforward.
Getting up the summit block entailed some route finding and some backtracking, but I climbed up a small crack to the ledge then bouldered up a couple of sections. The summit was small but had commanding views!
I down climbed to the first ledge then went to the north to down climb a slightly less exposed route. I then took the scree slope down, thankful for putting on gaiters! Still had to dump out all the dust that collected in my shoes.
I hooked back up with the trail just above Green Lakes and headed back to the car.
I only had trail runners, gaiters and one trekking pole. No snow equipment needed and the section that some people rope up on was sketchy if you don’t have comfort bouldering and with exposure. I did just fine soloing but a fall would’ve been hazardous.
Car to car was about 6:40, starting at 7:20 am.
★
★
★
★
★
Great hard hike with amazing view of Sisters, Broken Top & Bachelor as your reward at the top.
★
★
★
★
★
stars
Kate L 5 years, 3 months ago
There is snow along this trail in spots all summer, but it is passable by mid July with just a few snow crossings. The hard part of this hike is getting past Broken Hand. If you go all the way to Broken Hand it is nearly impossible to get around: you can try to cross the steep glacial field to the north, which is dangerous; you can try to free climb the rocks, which is dangerous; or you can walk back on the trail about 100 yards or so and find the lesser marked trail that passes to the south of Broken Hand. If you decide to go south of Broken Hand, there are numerous trails to the main trial that gets to the lake and the trip is worth it - a blue lake surrounded on all sides by steep banks of snow.
★
★
★
★
★
Large portions of this OHV area are closed due to tree fall. If you’re willing to hike a bit through dense trees the area is awesome. Give it a shot!
★
★
★
We tried this hike back in May and couldn’t make it to the falls due to the deep snow. Today was much easier with clear trails. It’s a slight incline to the first falls, but you then need to descend a fairly steep slope to reach the base of the falls, which is where you get the best view. There is another set of smaller falls a short distance further, and the much taller Upper Chush Falls is about 0.6 miles beyond the first falls. The last part of that trail gets pretty steep but the view is well with it. Total round trip was 5.8 miles and took us 3 hours including a lunch break. Lots of good scenery along the way, including mountain views, the meandering Whychus Creek, small streams to cross, and a crystal clear pond with bright green algae on the bottom. It was also good timing for several different wildflower varieties.
★
★
★
★
★
Mostly bushwhacking on the way there, but a beautiful little lake!
★
★
★
★
Trail: easy dirt trail. Some roots here and there and one section of larger stepping stone rock.
Hike: Up hill the whole way. But so worth the efforts! Recommend taking a headlamp and going up for sunset. But take a wind breaker as it’s commonly breezy/windy at the top in the evening. Sunrise was also gorgeous.
Rode: take Indian Ford off 126. North of sisters. Turn left at Black Butte sign. Washboard two lane most the way. Last section of road has become pretty pot hold out. Public restrooms at the trail head.
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful day for a hike. I’ve done parts of this snowshoeing in the winter and it looked totally different in the summer. Lots of deadfall trees but otherwise a great hike.
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful trail with many waterfalls and beautiful views. Plenty of water for horses along the entire route. Bring some cash... the restaurant at the lake has great food. What a treat!
★
★
★
★
★
Loved the terrain! Challenging but so doable. Incredible views!!!
★
★
★
★
★
Not actually 10 miles. Closer to 5, accidentally drove with app still running. Hike was awesome, vertical and beautiful with Tahoe on leash
★
★
★
★
★