South Sister
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this destination:
- Latitude: 44.1035
- Longitude: -121.7693
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Elevation: 10358 feet
Contents |
Description
South Sister is the highest peak in the Three Sisters Wilderness and the third highest mountain in Oregon. It's one of few major volcanic peaks in the state that has both year-long glaciers and is a walk-up hike (no climbing gear required). For this reason, it a popular hike during the short summer climbing season. Although it is a non-technical trail, it is very steep - especially near the summit - and weather conditions can change dramatically.
The summit boasts perhaps the most awe-inspiring 360 view of any in central Oregon. On a clear day you can see as far north as Mount Rainier and as far south as Mount McLoughlin. The summit crater contains a year-round glacier. Ice melt forms two distinct blue pools, the larger of which is called "Teardrop Pool", commonly considered the highest lake in the state.
The most common climbing route starts at the Devils Lake Trailhead off the Cascade Lakes Highway. Many camp overnight at Moraine Lake and climb the remaining 3 miles and 4000 feet of elevation the next day, but certainly the whole route can be done in a day.
The Three Sisters have the informal names "Faith", "Hope" and "Charity" (for North, Middle and South). They say you can remember the nicknames by how hard the climb is.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for South Sister
- South Sister - 10/3/06
- South Sister - 9/11-9/12/06
- Three Sisters Backpack - 9/1-9/4/06
- South Sister - 7/25/06
Related Discussions / Q&A
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More Links
- South Sister hike description on Oregon.com