Explore Three Sisters Wilderness: Oregon’s Alpine Paradise
Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon embodies the Pacific Northwest spirit. It features volcanic peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and lava fields. The area offers adventures for all skill levels, from easy family outings to challenging climbs.
You’ll find options for all, and all in a setting like nothing you have seen before. It is a special thing to hear birds calling instead of cars.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip to Three Sister Wilderness
The Three Sisters Wilderness area covers over 286,708 total acres and offers an unforgettable experience. Before you go, there’s some planning to do. Between June 15th and October 15th, a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required, and it costs $6 for each overnight camp.
Permits and Reservations
Many trailheads and all overnight trips require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. You can reserve permits on the recreation.gov website, app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. You’ll need an account with recreation.gov, which also manages other government websites like WhiteHouse.gov and USA.gov.
Getting There
If you’re flying, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is your best bet. You can rent a car at the airport to reach the trailhead. Multiple rental options are available.
As of 2024, the Central Oregon Breeze offers daily bus service between Portland and Bend. From Bend, take Cascades East Transit Route 29 to Sisters.
Best Time to Visit
Late July to September is generally the best time. This period offers snow-free trails and fewer bugs.
August, however, can be more crowded. Your goals for the trip will determine if this timeframe works best
Essential Gear
Pack plenty of water or a water filter. Sun protection and sturdy shoes are crucial, as volcanic rock can be rough.
Carry paper maps as well. Good options include the National Geographic Trails Illustrated 818 Bend, Three Sisters map, “Atlas of Oregon Wilderness,” and “100 Hikes/Travel Guide.” Check out Wilderness.net or the USGS map store for more map resources. Topo maps can be critical to not getting lost in the wilderness areas.
A GPS phone mapping app, like Gaia GPS, can also be useful.
Stay Updated
Before your trip, check for closures. The USDA Forest Service’s fire closure page provides updates.
Top Hiking Trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness
The Three Sisters Wilderness area offers many hiking trails. Here are some options, ranging from moderate to challenging:
South Sister Summit Trail
This 12.2-mile round trip is challenging but rewarding, leading to the summit of South Sister. South Sister, Oregon’s third-tallest peak, stands at 10,363 feet.
The trail starts at Devils Lake Trailhead. It goes through forests and up a steep slope, providing panoramic views of the Central Cascades.
Hiking Green Lakes Trail
The Green Lakes Trail is super popular in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It’s a good hike for most people. This trail shows off the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. You get awesome views and a real taste of Oregon’s wild side.
The trail is about 9.6 miles round trip. The elevation gain is around 1,154 feet. This makes it a moderate hike. You’ll walk through forests and past old lava flows. The path leads to several gorgeous alpine lakes. These lakes sit between South Sister and Broken Top.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Stunning Scenery: Think clear blue lakes surrounded by mountains.
- Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and maybe even a black bear. But always be respectful of their space.
- Variety of Terrain: The trail changes from soft forest floor to rocky volcanic rock.
- Fly Fishing: The lakes have brook trout and rainbow trout.
The Green Lakes Trailhead is off the Cascade Lakes Highway. This is a busy spot, especially in summer. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is needed between June 15 and October 15. Get one before you go. This helps limit the number of people on the trail.
You can do this hike in a day. But, many people choose to camp overnight (permit needed). This gives you more time to soak it all in. Imagine waking up next to a crystal-clear lake. It’s pretty special.
If you want to fly fish, bring your gear. The lakes offer good chances to catch some trout. Use flies and lures. Remember to follow the rules to protect the fish.
Whether you’re into hiking, backpacking, or just chilling outdoors, this trail is a solid choice. It’s a great way to experience the Three Sisters Wilderness. The Green Lakes Trail shows why Oregon is loved by outdoor people.
Backpacking Three Sisters Loop
Thinking about a serious backpacking trip? The Three Sisters Loop might be your next big adventure. This 47-50 mile loop goes around North, Middle, and South Sister. You’ll see a bit of everything the Three Sisters Wilderness has to offer.
What to Expect
This loop is tough, with about 7,000 feet of elevation gain. Plan for several days on the trail. You’ll walk through lava fields and pretty meadows. Plus, the mountain views are amazing.
- Distance: 47-50 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 7,000 feet
- Permits: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit needed between June 15 and October 15.
Trail Highlights
The Three Sisters Loop mixes parts of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with other trails. Some well known trails are Green Lakes and Pole Creek. This blend gives you different scenery. You get forests, open areas, and up-close looks at the volcanoes.
Planning Your Trip
Because this is a long trek, good planning is a must. Get your permits early. Check the weather, because conditions change fast in the mountains. Pack enough food and water. A good map and compass or GPS are critical, so you don’t get lost.
Best Time to Go
Late July to September is usually best. Most of the snow is gone by then. The bugs are less of a problem, but August can be crowded. Always check trail conditions before you go, because wildfires or other issues can close trails.
Moraine Lake Trail
Starting at Devils Lake, this roughly 5-mile trail offers great views. You will get looks at a volcano and Broken Top.
It’s less crowded than Green Lakes.
Broken Top Lake via Todd Lake
Starting near Todd Lake, this 6-mile trek features a high alpine lake. This beautiful lake sits under Broken Top’s crater.
It might require some route-finding. More advanced skills will help here.
Tam McArthur Rim Trail
This 5.3-mile trail begins at Three Creeks Lake. It takes you to Tam McArthur Rim at 7,732 feet.
You’ll see views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and central Oregon. The trailhead access can be worth it.
Obsidian Trail
The 11.8-mile round-trip Obsidian Trail starts from McKenzie Pass. It offers views of Middle and North Sister.
Overnight stays in the Obsidian Limited Entry Area require a permit. Apply for a day-use permit on Recreation.gov, selecting Obsidian Trail as your trailhead.
Matthieu Lakes Loop
Starting at Lava Camp Lake Trailhead, this 6-mile loop visits both North and South Matthieu Lakes. From the Lava Camp Lake Trailhead, you can make your way.
Chambers Lakes
Starting at the Pole Creek Trailhead, this 14-mile roundtrip hike is ideal for backpackers. You get both seclusion and beauty.
Middle Sister via Renfrew Glacier
This hike begins at Pole Creek Trailhead. It leads experienced hikers up Middle Sister (10,047 feet) via the Renfrew Glacier.
Depending on conditions, ice gear may be needed.
Broken Hand Trail
This 7.5-mile trail starts from Three Creeks Lake. The path offers good views of Broken Top.
It’s less-used and has some tough sections.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section: McKenzie Pass to Santiam Pass
This 15-mile (one-way) section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail offers varied terrain. The Pacific Crest Trail also has views of North Sister.
Park Meadow Trail
This 9.4-mile trail can begin at Three Creeks Lake or Green Lakes.
Proxy Falls Loop
Located on the wilderness boundary off McKenzie Pass, this roughly 1-mile loop features waterfalls. It’s a great, shorter option.
Camp Lake Trail
This trail features views and campsites. Starting from the Camp Lake Trailhead can make sense.
The Camp Lake Trail also gives options to setup basecamp.
History and Conservation in the Three Sisters Wilderness
You’ll find the peaks of North, Middle, and South Sister. Plus forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and even lava fields are found in the Three Sister Wilderness.
Geological Origins
Volcanic activity shaped the landscape. These peaks, including Broken Top, erupted from 700,000 to 100,000 years ago.
Lava fields and glacial features are a clear sign of the area’s past. Present-day tracking monitors shifts below South Sister, too. Geologic features include rock mesa and Collier Cone, for example.
Early Recreation
Interest grew as roads improved. The U.S. Forest Service managed the area within the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, established in 1908 and 1911.
In 1937, a 191,000-acre section was protected. It ultimately became the Three Sisters Wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964.
Wilderness Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Three Sisters Wilderness became a symbol of this conservation vision.
The Oregon Wilderness Act later added about 44,000 more acres. This made for over 286,000 acres and expanded the watershed area.
Facing Challenges
The Three Sisters Wilderness faces challenges. Its proximity to Bend has increased use in areas like Green Lakes and the South Sister summit.
This has led to trail degradation and other problems. A changing climate has also fueled wildfires.
Looking Ahead
To combat overcrowding, the U.S. Forest Service implemented the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System in 2021. Permits are required from June 15 to October 15 for all overnight visits. This limits foot traffic and overall gives better protection. You must have a Central Cascades Wilderness permit.
Best Fly Fishing Locations in Three Sisters Wilderness
The wilderness offers pristine fly fishing settings. Here are some top spots:
Fly Fishing Green Lakes
Want to hook some trout in an awesome spot? The Green Lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness are calling your name. Picture this. You’re surrounded by big volcanoes and thick forests. It’s a perfect place for fly fishing.
Getting There
You’ll start your adventure at the Green Lakes Trailhead. It’s off the Cascade Lakes Highway. The hike is about 9.6 miles round trip. It’s not too tough, but it’s not a walk in the park either. You’ll gain about 1,154 feet in elevation. This area gets busy, so remember to get your Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. You need it from June 15 to October 15.
What You’ll Catch
The Green Lakes are full of brook trout. Some can get up to 14 inches long. You might also snag a wild rainbow trout. The water is super clear. This means you’ll need to be sneaky. Pick your casts carefully.
Best Times to Fish
Summer is prime time for fly fishing here. Bugs like callibaetis mayflies and midges hatch. This brings the trout to the surface.
- Try dry flies like a Parachute Adams.
- An Elk Hair Caddis can also work wonders.
- If the fish are deeper, use nymphs.
- Pheasant Tails (size 16-18) are a good bet.
Extra Tips
A float tube? I can vogue for the extra weight. Just try and make it easy trail or moderate can help. You’ll reach more spots this way. The shoreline has lots of plants. This can make casting from shore tricky. Fish early in the morning. Or try the late evening. You’ll avoid crowds. Plus, the dry fly action is better at these times. Hiking to the Green Lakes takes effort, but the backpacking and views are worth it.
Moraine Lake
Escape the crowds here with South Sister views. Brook trout are common.
In summer, insects are a draw to its edges.
Camp Lake
Reaching about 6,900 feet, Camp Lake sits between South and Middle Sister. Trout are plentiful here.
Its peaceful setting is a draw for many.
Chambers Lakes
This lake offers anglers solitude. With its clear water, a careful strategy is key.
A four-weight rod and small flies are effective.
Doris Lake
Doris Lake is more accessible, just over 5,000 feet. Surrounding forest means a float can help access fish.
Whychus Creek (Upper Reaches)
Originating under the Three Sisters, this creek features trout and waterfalls. The scenery makes it worth the trip.
Gear, Access, and Regulations for Fishing
A 3 to 5-weight rod is recommended. Pack flies like nymphs (Pheasant Tails, midges) and streamers (Woolly Buggers) ranging from 12-20 inches.
These locations may involve longer hikes. Often needing over 1,000 feet rises in elevation gain.
July through September is generally suitable weather. Pay attention to snow levels for safe trip planning, though. Practice ”Leave No Trace” principles.
Follow Wilderness regulations, part of the Leave No Trace stewardship. These are things not to forget.
Ethical Considerations
Use good judgment in the wilderness. Apply the same considerations as in civilization to be responsible in nature.
Unfortunately current events remind us things are fragile. Tragedy can strike anywhere.
FAQs about Three Sister Wilderness
Are there bears in the Three Sisters wilderness?
Yes, black bears inhabit the Three Sisters Wilderness. Proper food storage is essential.
How long does it take to hike Three Sisters?
Hiking time varies based on trails and experience. Some quick treks are just over a mile, while backpacking trips can reach 50 miles.
Is Three Sisters Falls a hard hike?
Difficulty varies. Some short paths with minimal elevation gain are easy, while challenging routes with significant elevation gain exist.
Match your trail selection to your experience.
Why are they called the Three Sisters mountains?
Explorers in the mid-1800s gave the name. The peaks’ similar appearance, represent Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Conclusion of Three Sister Wilderness
The Three Sister Wilderness holds a special place for outdoor lovers. We use any excuse we can find to be there in person.
If you’re near Sisters, Oregon, get a good meal. The Cottonwood Cafe is a top choice for breakfast and lunch.
From indigenous use to present-day visits, the Three Sisters Wilderness balances human enjoyment with long-term care. You can see waterfalls, alpine views, and lava fields in this unique setting.
