The highest and easiest of the Three Sisters, Oregon's third highest peak is a non-technical walk-up great for those want great views and a long hike. Great early season ski descent. Crampons and ice axe not needed in late season. Summit crater has highest lake in the state. Summit bivys can be popular. One of the easier glaciated peaks to climb to become a Mazama member.

Activity Notes

Overview

With the summit elevation of 10363 ft., South Sister aka "Charity" is Oregon third highest mountain. It is also the youngest of Three Sisters, the most recent eruption was about 2000 years ago.

We will climb the south route, that starts at Devils Lake trailhead, and reaches the summit in 5.5 miles, gaining 4900 ft. of elevation. This time of the year the route is snow free, and does not require any special climbing gear. It is exposed to elements, therefore we will start early morning (alpine start), to avoid being on the sun, especially on our way up.

The climb leader has the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit that is required to climb South Sister

Rough Schedule

  • Saturday, morning: Head from Portland to the Devils Lake trailhead. It is about 25 miles west from Bend, OR

    • NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required to park at the trailhead. It is advised to purchase a pass in advance

  • Saturday, afternoon: Prepare backpacks for the early morning start. Have a dinner and take a nap
  • Sunday, 1:00 AM: Wake up, have a snack, get ready to climb
  • Sunday, 2:00 AM: Start climbing
  • Sunday, 9:00 AM: Summit
  • Sunday 2:00 PM: Return back at the trailhead
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 190 miles
Driving Time from Portland 4 hours
Distance - Round Trip 11 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books Oregon High by Jeff Thomas
Relevant Maps USGS 7 1/2 minute series: South Sister, and Geo-Graphics, Three Sisters Wilderness <href="http: "="" adventure="" c463="" starts-here="" title="On the Mazama Climbing and Hiking map page " www.mazamas.org="" your="">On the Mazama Climbing and Hiking map page <href="http: maps.google.com="" maps?f="q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=middle+sister&sll=44.103449,-121.769206&sspn=0.018891,0.04549&g=north+sister&ie=UTF8&ll=44.127028,-121.734352&spn=0.151065,0.363922&t=p&z=12"" title="Google maps">Google maps</href="http:></href="http:>
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks, Seven Oregon Cascades Peaks
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