South Sister, the tallest and youngest of the Three Sisters, stands as a testament to the power and beauty of nature’s evolution. This alternative route offers an adventurous, quieter path to the summit, allowing hikers to fully connect with the landscape’s raw energy and timeless story.
🌋 A Journey Through Time
South Sister’s volcanic history dates back 50,000 years. Over millennia, this towering stratovolcano has undergone phases of explosive eruptions and dormancy, leaving behind its rugged terrain, lava flows, and glacial-carved features. The most recent activity, approximately 2,000 years ago, formed the striking Devils Chain. Even today, the land continues to transform with a gradual uplift west of South Sister, noted by scientists since the 1990s.
The Low-Down
• 🅿️ Trailhead: Green Lakes
• 🥾 Distance: 13 miles round-trip
• 〽️ Elevation Gain: 4,986 feet
• 🚻 Facilities: Restroom at the trailhead
• 🌸 Accessibility: When Cascade Lakes Highway is open
• 📜 Permit Season: June 15 to October 15. Obtain permits via Recreation.gov.
For a more relaxed experience, consider camping overnight at Green Lakes. Watching the sunrise reflect off South Sister from camp is an unforgettable experience.
🥾 Your Route: A Path Less Traveled
1. Green Lakes Approach
Begin your hike from the Green Lakes Trailhead. Follow the well-defined trail to the breathtaking Green Lakes Basin. This serene area, surrounded by towering peaks, is the perfect place to pause and take in the landscape.
2. Start of the Ascent
From Green Lakes, head west toward South Sister. The climb begins at a waterfall that marks the ascent’s starting point. Look for a climbers’ trail leading to the top of the falls. The route will generally follow a creek as you ascend into higher elevations.
3. Glacial Traverse
As the trail fades, you’ll encounter Lewis Glacier. Traverse the glacier on its left side, staying mindful of crevasses. Keep an eye out for the turquoise waters of Lewis Glacier Cirque Lake below the ridge—the trail continues above this stunning feature.
4. Reaching the Summit
From the ridge, the summit lies ahead, inviting you to reconnect with the land. Pause here to reflect, breathe, and embrace the vast beauty around you.
Glaciers and Caution
• Trail Conditions: Be prepared for faint trails and glacial travel. Ensure you have proper footwear, trekking poles, and knowledge of glacial navigation.
• Safety First: Always check weather conditions, carry a GPS device, and pack essentials like extra layers, food, and water.
Why Take the Alternative Route?
This path offers solitude, a deeper connection with nature, and unparalleled views of South Sister’s glacial and volcanic features. It’s a chance to experience the mountain on its terms, moving with intention and care through a landscape that has existed long before us.
A Thoughtful Journey
Every step on this journey is a reminder of how we are intertwined with the land. Walk softly and with purpose, leaving only thoughtful footprints. This is not about conquering the mountain but about returning to a part of ourselves that belongs here.
Have you hiked South Sister using this alternative route? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your photos! For those ready to dive deeper into the outdoors, consider booking a consultation or exploring our guided hikes through Recreation Leader Membership. Together, let’s rediscover the joy of outdoor adventures. 🌋💙
Tags: South Sister hiking guide, alternative South Sister route, Green Lakes hike, Central Oregon volcanoes, outdoor adventure, glacial travel, Deschutes National Forest, reconnect with nature
