Closest Town
Bend, Oregon
Unit Number
140
Description
South Sister is the 3rd highest peak in Oregon, and the highest non-technical climb in the state. The hike is completely snow free between July-October (We have done it twice, both times in August).
From Devil's Lake, hike 2.5 miles to Moraine Lake and set up a base camp. The next morning, with only a day pack, hike 4 miles up to the summit of South Sister and have lunch at 10,300'! Hike back down 4 miles and have dinner at base camp. Hike out the next morning.
This is a strenuous hike, but not prohibitively difficult. The first day from trailhead to camp gains over 1000 feet in just a mile. From camp to the summit the next day is nearly 4000 feet, so pace yourself. The most difficult section is the final Red Mile: a steep slope of red gravel. After cresting the ridge, it's an easy quarter mile around the caldera to the true summit. Each lunch and enjoy the views. If there are no clouds (or wildfire smoke) you can see the entire chain of cascade volcanoes all the way to Mount Rainer to the north, and Mount Shasta to the south.
Location
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84PW463J+Q4
Adventure Type
Suitability
Older scouts who are seasoned hikers and in good physical condition.
Fees
A National Forest Pass is required for parking, $5/day unless you have an Annual Pass.
Type of Hike
In-and-out trail
Permit Info
A Central Cascades wilderness overnight permit is required, and there is a limited number of them. 60% of the permits become available in early April, the rest are only available 7 days before the desired date. You MUST plan ahead to get a permit early in April, the short-term permits sell out within minutes.
Campsites at Moraine Lake are first-come-first-serve with no reservations, and you may only camp at one of the 22 designated spots.
Hike Distance
12
Usage / Trail Traffic
Medium
Elevation Gain
6000
Attractions
Mountain summit views. Alpine lakes.
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