Drew
Here is a review of the South Sister climb for those who want just to do this portion.
The route along the Devils Lake Trail takes
you up about a 1000ft over the first 3.0 miles to a plateau above
Moraine Lake This is the easy part of your day. From here the real
climb begins switch backing through the last remaining trees at
timberline and passing between two pointed outcroppings. Beyond
timberline, it continues through loose pumice and scree and the incline
increases with almost every step. At 8800 ft, you will come to a ridge
which overlooks the Lewis Glacier and usually has a small lake of melt
water. Many stop here for lunch and to rest a bit before pushing on to
the summit. From this point, the trail follows the ridge of cinder
towards the northwest, but then veers north to ascend the upper slope
of the cone. The pumice & scree becomes allot looser from all the
traffic this trail sees. Finally you approach the southern edge of the
crater rim, and "Wow" your there. The true summit is on the North side.
Reverse your course to head home.
Geting There:
Trailhead: To get to this hike, take this route for the easist
access. Drive 25 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway, 4.5
miles past Mount Bachelor Ski Area. Turn right at the Green Lakes
Trailhead. Alternately, you can use the the Devils Lake trailhead which
is two miles further down the road. Either trail will do, and they join
together at Moraine Lake which is the beginning of the climb. (Lat:44.1 Lon:-121.75)
Trail Guides for South Sister Climb – Three Sisters Wilderness:
Hiking Oregons Central Cascades
by Bruce Grubbs (Falcon Publishing)
100 Hikes Central Oregon Cascades
by William Sullivan (Navillus Press)
Hiking Oregon Three Sisters
by Bruce Grubbs (Falcon Publishing)
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Deschutes National Forest 1001 SW Emkay Drive (541) 383-5300
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