Trip Report: Three Sisters Wilderness
When: 08/13/2017
Location: Three Sisters Wilderness
Conditions: Mid 60's daytime. Lower 40's night. Mostly sunny during the day and clear and breezy at night.
Duration: 2 days/1 night
Difficulty: Easy
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Usefull links:
www.fs.usda.gov/willamette
www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes
The Full Report:
My friend and coworker, Pemba, and I decided to do an overnight in the Three Sisters Wilderness near Broken Top. We wanted something relatively easy and quick since we were only staying for a single night. The approach from Three Creek Lake south of Sisters, OR is both easy and quick. The hike into our camp spot was roughly three miles with a stop at Tam McArthur Rim Lookout, a must do. It offers 180-degree views facing North and on a clear day (wildfire season was in full force across the NW during this time) you can see Jefferson, Mt. Hood, and perhaps Adams. Even with hazy skies, the view was gorgeous.
We headed due West and came upon a bluff with a 100-foot drop into the basin offering up close and personal views of Broken Top and the Three Sisters. It was an easy choice on where to set up shop for the night. After getting camp set we hiked further West along the ridgeline seeking out a spot for sunset views and pictures. Being at an elevation near 8,000 feet views were easy to come by and we chose to relax beneath a rock outcropping above No Name Lake for the evening.
The next day we hiked the same route West following the ridgeline above No Name Lake. There is a trail down to the lake but why take a trail when you can glissade down? Glissading>hiking We relaxed and had snacks at the lake and then returned to camp below the ridgeline on the South side forming a narrow loop. This short trip solidified my thoughts on this wider area being the best in Oregon for expansive mountain views. You are in the heart of the Cascades and on a clear day can see from Adams to Thielsen, depending on where you stand. Obviously, it’s well-traveled being close to Bend and only a 2 to 3-hour drive depending on chosen location from Portland. Exploring the areas accessible from Sisters is well worth any adventurer's time.
The Full Report:
My friend and coworker, Pemba, and I decided to do an overnight in the Three Sisters Wilderness near Broken Top. We wanted something relatively easy and quick since we were only staying for a single night. The approach from Three Creek Lake south of Sisters, OR is both easy and quick. The hike into our camp spot was roughly three miles with a stop at Tam McArthur Rim Lookout, a must do. It offers 180-degree views facing North and on a clear day (wildfire season was in full force across the NW during this time) you can see Jefferson, Mt. Hood, and perhaps Adams. Even with hazy skies, the view was gorgeous.
We headed due West and came upon a bluff with a 100-foot drop into the basin offering up close and personal views of Broken Top and the Three Sisters. It was an easy choice on where to set up shop for the night. After getting camp set we hiked further West along the ridgeline seeking out a spot for sunset views and pictures. Being at an elevation near 8,000 feet views were easy to come by and we chose to relax beneath a rock outcropping above No Name Lake for the evening.
The next day we hiked the same route West following the ridgeline above No Name Lake. There is a trail down to the lake but why take a trail when you can glissade down? Glissading>hiking We relaxed and had snacks at the lake and then returned to camp below the ridgeline on the South side forming a narrow loop. This short trip solidified my thoughts on this wider area being the best in Oregon for expansive mountain views. You are in the heart of the Cascades and on a clear day can see from Adams to Thielsen, depending on where you stand. Obviously, it’s well-traveled being close to Bend and only a 2 to 3-hour drive depending on chosen location from Portland. Exploring the areas accessible from Sisters is well worth any adventurer's time.