Oregon 3 Sisters Challenge

Why only circumnavigate one volcano when you can have three in two insanely beautiful loops?! While Wonderland, Timberline, and Loowit are the typical go-to routes for long days around big volcanoes, the Sisters Wilderness is an oft-overlooked gem in the Oregon Volcanic Arc that will leave you wowed. This loop has it all; wildflower studded meadows, waterfalls, old growth forest, alpine lakes, obsidian cliffs, lava rocks, a section of that buttery PCT that we all know and love, and of course spectacular views of three volcanoes.

As you traverse this figure-8 loop, you will get a chance to soak in all the sights and wonders of the Three Sisters Wilderness with North, Middle, and South Sister. The goal of this loop is to add more CWES challenges in Oregon and showcase a wonderful and less traveled alternative to the traditional "Big 3" of PNW volcanic circumnavs.

While I could have chosen a shorter 50 mile option that does a simpler loop vs. a figure-8, I promise the saddle section between South and Middle Sister that you repeat twice is more than worth the extra miles and effort. It is simply one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

-Daniel Bucci, 2023 BadAss of the Year

Route

There are no trailheads located on the figure-8 proper at all, so regardless of what trailhead you start at, the loop will require a short approach (which range in distance from 1.5 to 5-6 miles). The GPX listed starts at the shortest possible approach from a car accessible trailhead, which is Pole Creek, located at the end of Forest Road 1524 southwest of Sisters, Oregon.

From Pole Creek TH, it is about 1.5 miles to reach the trail to start the loop. Another advantage of starting at Pole Creek is that it does NOT require a day use permit (as of this writing). Please check with the forest service to determine if this is still true before you set out. This route is also prime for a multi-day backpacking trip, which may require a backcountry permit.

Start at Pole Creek TH and head toward Green Lakes Trail #4070. From here, you may choose to go either direction, but the slightly shorter route is to make a right and head north. Follow trail #4070 until it ends at Scott Pass Trail #4068. Make a left and go westbound on Scott Pass toward the PCT. Head south on the PCT for about 12.9 miles. Here you will make a left onto an unmaintained trail near Separation Creek and head up to the saddle between South and Middle Sister. Follow the unmaintained trail to Camp Lake. At the lake, this trail begins a more maintained section that you will follow as you head down the saddle and return to trail #4070. Now turn south and #4070 will eventually turn into trail #17, which you will follow to Green Lakes. Continue until you hit a junction where trail #17.1 splits off to the west toward Marine Lake. Take this trail and follow it until you reach a junction with Wickiup Plains Trail #14.3. Head north/west on this trail towards the PCT, then take the PCT northbound. Eventually you will come to a junction with the unmaintained Separation Creek Trail and climb up and through the saddle a second time as you head back toward Pole Creek Trail #4072. Take this back to the trailhead.

Side trips abound along this loop if you are up for the extra mileage. Options include summitting South Sister or Broken Top, enjoying one of the many alpine lakes, or taking a trip to the Obsidian Cliffs (requires a special access permit).