south sister

A friend and I hiked to the top of South Sister and it has been one of the neatest things I have ever done. It is very strenuous and took us 12 hours but it was so worth it. The first part of the trail is through the woods with not too great views but once you get out of the woods, its is so beautiful and ever changing scenery. We are pretty outdoorsy but this hike does not require any technical equipment so anyone who is pretty fit and can walk can do this hike. The last mile or so is all broken volcanic rock which was pretty tough to get up (and hard on the knees going down) so I would recommend poles. Bring as much water as you can and food. If you go all the way to the top it will be an all day adventure.

This is an all day hike so be prepared. Bring lots of water and food... twice as much as you think you will need! Wear supportive footwear like boots with ankle support and a hiking pole or 2 is something I wish I had thought to bring with me. This is not a hike for young children or seniors. The views are so worth the long and intense hike.

We hiked a dozen or so trails in the area, but this was by far the most spectacular. The views from the summit are breathtaking. Actually, the views almost the entire way are amazing! But be prepared for a strenuous hike. It's long with a lot of elevation gain. We lucked out and had fairly warm temps at the top, but be prepared for anything. Anyway, I'd totally recommend this hike to anyone in really good shape.

I've hiked to the South Sister summit 4 times now, most recently in August 2014 for my wedding. This is a challenging hike due to the elevation gain, lengthy scree fields and unpredictable weather but it will undoubtedly be unforgettable regardless of whether you reach the summit. The volcanic activity in the area tells an amazing geological story every step of the way. I usually start from Devil's Lake Trailhead and have made it to the summit and back in under 6 hours. With clear weather you can see Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, North and Middle Sisters, Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Green Lakes and the list goes on and on. It's truly extraordinary. Take plenty of water, hiking poles, some extra layers of clothing, lunch and snacks and of course, a camera. :) I feel honored to have exchanged vows at the top of this magnificent mountain and as such, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you are an experienced hiker or someone with serious stamina, this hike is worth the effort. Even for someone used to doing 15+ mile hikes with serious elevation change, this trail is a bear. Very few switchbacks mean basically straight up for more than 5 miles and 5k feet of elevation change. Poles are a good idea for the descent, because your legs will be tired. The views at the top and throughout the hike are worth it.As experienced hikers in good shape, we made the summit in just over 3 hours (the last mile took about 45 minutes). The entire trip took just over 5.5 hours, with about 30 minutes taking in the views at the summit.

We hiked to the summit in September 2014. It was a long day (9-10 hours return), but one of the best hikes we've ever done.

In late August, 4 friends and i, after a couple months' worth of planning, achieved the summit of this, Oregon's third highest peak. Other reviewers have commented on the climb, and I agree with all of them- last 1000 feet is tough as you are on scree- loose gravel, the two-steps up, one-step back variety.You can circumnavigate the summit via a rocky trail. Advise being very aware of the wind, as the E and N sides of the mountain are virtual cliffs several thousand feet down. You can get down into the crater, and there is a small lake/pond. However, it's usually filled with snow year-round, so caution is advised.On a nice day, to the E, you see Green Lakes Basin tucked in between the mountain and Broken Top. It's awesome- several alpine lakes with trails to each. Great mountain camping down there. To the N and S, the entire range of volcanic peaks is visible- see You Tube for others' experiences. Out to the W, it's the Cascades and in the distance the Coast Range.We started out on a nice day, and had checked the weather, but when we summitted, the weather turned nasty. And that's what I can add to the others' experience. The five of us were carrying full packs and were prepared. It's a good thing.... we spent the night on the summit because the fog was so thick you couldn't see 5' in front of you. We were prepared and in no danger, thanks to a couple of our group who were experienced. Set up tents behind rock windbreaks left by others, but be aware that 10k mountains are fickle, as any experienced hiker / mountaineer can attest to. One day hiker came up the mountain and hit the summit when we did- had only a day pack and hiking shorts and flannel shirt on. We convinced him to stay up there with us until the weather cleared the next morning, which was a photographer's best dream.... Clear, eagles soaring BELOW us- never had that experience before! An absolutely surreal view to all compass points.Descent was easy going after the 1st 1000 feet- good thing, as we were all tired after a fitful night at the top.This is a unique experience- not a technical climb per se' but does test your endurance. Be prepared for weather- doesn't matter what the forecast was.This defined my life, not from conquering a mountain, but from the realization of just how tiny humans are in the grander view. It's helpful to get, and keep, the perspective that we really aren't in control... we live here because of a Grand Invitation. We see so little of what this earth is about, and should cherish each moment we have. We should protect this planet with everything we have, because it will always, always, balance itself out whether we like it or not.

Went with our 15 yr old and reached the summit on the first attempt. It took us 10 hrs for the round trip of 12.5 miles with 5000ft elevation change. This included around 2 hrs for enjoying the views from the summit, lunch, snacks, filtering water from Lewis glacier. We started at 7 am. The parking lot was already full at that time and we had to park at the entrance ramp of the trailhead. We strongly recommend staying at the Elk Lake resort which is 10 minutes from the Devils Lake TH. We packed falafel sandwiches from Kebaba restaurant in Bend, plenty of water, jackets, water filter and granola bars. Would strongly recommend hiking poles or sticks although we did not have them. They will be extremely useful coming down the summit. There is lot of loose red gravel and sand which coming down the first mile or so was the most difficult portion of the climb. Unique views of glaciated Mt Bachelor, Middle and North Sisters,from the summit. Highly enjoyable hike.

5000' up the trail provides you with excellent views of many Cascade Range mountains and dozens of lakes. Allow 1 hour per 1000' gain. Allow extra time if you're out of shape. Use hiking poles!! Take plenty of water, and snacks or food. Can be cold at the top so bring a good windbreaker. Trail is easy to follow in the summer.

It's a full days hike and will leave you sore the next couple days, but it's worth it and something you must do while you're in Bend. The entire way up is beautifully scenic. There's a glacier right before the steepest part up where you can refill water if you have a water filter as well. You'll be glad you did this while you're in Bend!

We had a group of advanced and beginner hikers. We started out at about 10:30 in the morning and hiked up to Morraine Lake where we ate lunch. The lake is a gorgeous setting, surrounding by ridges and the South Sister summit. The hike was difficult, uphill for about 1000 feet.

I came through Sisters about 3 years ago, and the downtown reminded me of an older woman past her prime. Sad.When we came to visit Bend I picked up a magazine that said Sisters had a face lift, that the traffic wasn't nearly as snarly and there were much wider walkways. All true!We had a good breakfast at the Gallery (see review) and then wandered along the shops. We had just missed the Quilt week but many quilts were still hanging outside the shops. The wider walkways made it much easier to navigate around my fellow tourists.If you have ever been to Cambria, CA just outside of San Luis Obispo....this looks like a Western Cambria. Very cute kitchy shops determined to help part you from your money. I loved window shopping and talking with the store keepers.Also fun for kids....they have a 'Where's Waldo" treasure hunt where kids find Waldo and can win prizes.

The hike is definitely hard work but there are beautiful surprises around every corner. I hiked all the way to the top with my soccer team and it is AMAZING at the top. But definitely make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and warm and cool clothes, it gets kind of cold at the top. I highly recommend doing this.

Walk to the top of the mountain. Yes, walk, not climb. Awesome views as expected. Wear good shoes. Bring gloves, items to cover your face, and a good windbreaker coat.

It is a long and at times difficult hike, however, no mountain climbing experience or gear is neccessary. A great way to spend a day (and it usually takes about all day)