Three Sisters

The Oregon Cascades is home to a string of three snow-capped volcanoes, an ideal challenge for climbers. The triplet peaks are known as Faith, Hope and Charity, or the "Three Sisters." They sit in the Three Sisters Wilderness in Willamette National Forest, waiting for you to ascend to any of their peaks, all of which exceed 10,000 feet.

Oregon's second tallest mountain, the South Sister, stands 10,358 feet high and is the youngest, tallest, easiest and most commonly climbed of the trio. It is very popular because it's a non-technical climb—a steep hike, really—easily completed in a day by reasonably fit hikers. Popular starting points are the Green Lakes and Devil's Lake trailheads. The eldest of the Three Sisters, the North Sister, stands 10,085 feet high. It is the most dangerous climb, due to its level of erosion and frequent rockfall, however towering rock pinnacles and glaciers make her a beauty. The North Sister is home to the largest sheet of ice in Oregon! Collier Glacier lies between the north and middle volcanoes. The Middle Sister, at 10,047 feet high, is the smallest and least studied of the three.

Whichever climb you choose, it is important to be prepared. While the trail up the South Sister is gentle compared to the other two, the hike is still demanding and water can be scarce. There is a scree section where it is a good idea to have hiking poles, because the loose lava sand slides under your feet and sucks away a lot of your energy. Gloves are also recommended, because you will need to use your hands for parts of the trip, and sharp lava sand can be very abrasive. The view from the summit is outstanding. On a clear day you can see all the major Oregon peaks—Diamond Peak (near Crater Lake) Hood, Brokentop, Jefferson and others. If you're lucky, you might even be able to make out Mt. Shasta in northern California and some Washington peaks from various high spots.

The Three Sisters Wilderness offers much more than just the volcanoes, so bring your fishing gear, bathing suit and hiking shoes if you aren't going to make the climb. On a walk around the base of the Sisters you will see lava fields, waterfalls, alpine meadows and lakes and streams teeming with brook and rainbow trout. There's also a lush forest of various types of fir, hemlock and pine. There are about 260 miles of trails, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, where it runs north-south through the wilderness.

With so much to do, you may be competing for nature's beauty with many other people. It's estimated that the Three Sisters Wilderness attracts more visitors than every other park in the state. The Green Lakes, Obsidian, Sunshine, Erma Bell Lakes, and the climbing trail to South Sister are especially crowded, so if you are looking to get away from it all, it may be a good idea to seek your peaceful time in nature elsewhere in the Wilderness.

The Chambers Lakes Trail is a beautiful but challenging hike. It goes for 7.1 miles from Pole Creek to Chambers Lakes, all the while encompassed by the dramatic glaciers of South and Middle Sisters, where ice can appear year-round. On your way you will see wind-twisted pines and rock-rimmed beauty that will take your breath away. Too tired to go back to the Wilderness? Spend the night at the Chambers Lake campgrounds.

Camping is permitted throughout the wilderness, but in some areas there are designated campsites, so check with rangers before you set out. Day and overnight visitors entering the wilderness are required to obtain a permit between Memorial Day and October 31. They are free of charge and must be self-issued at trailheads.

The Three Sisters Wilderness lies about 15 miles southwest of the town of Sisters, Oregon. It can be reached from the Willamette Valley by the Old McKenzie Highway (State 242) and from Central Oregon by the Cascade Lakes Highway (State 46) and by various forest roads (19, 2643, 1957, 1993). Many trailheads access the wilderness, and because every hike is different, you can keep coming back to this beautiful place again and again.