Length: 14 miles round trip Elevation Change: 1700' elevation gain Season: Mid-Summer thru Early Fall Difficulty: Difficult Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This hike is only snow free for a brief period
of time between mid summer and early fall. Yet,
it is one of the most rewarding adventures in
the beautiful Three Sister's Wilderness Area.
The hike gains about 1700' in elevation, and
takes you up from a fairly dense pine
forest into the sub alpine region right in
the middle of the South Sister and Middle
Sister Mountain.
Because the elevations are so high, it is
difficult to do this hike at a perfect floral
season. Either you may be too early or too late.
Nevertheless, this hike is extremely rewarding
in the scenic wonders around you. Not only does
the trail take you to the beautiful Camp Lake,
but after you cross the North Fork of Squaw
Creek, the vistas of all three of the Sisters
as well as Broken Top are just plain fabulous.
Obiously, you can encounter large quantities of
flying insects at certain times, and yet the
later in the season, the less this problem. But
of course, the later the season, the less wildflowers.
So, lather up and enjoy the beauty. This hike is
a must do hike for the serious wild scenery lover.
The trail comes out Difficult on the difficulty
meter, but it doesn't seem that hard. I think
it climbs so gently that it doesn't feel like a
typical difficult hike.
