hiking the three sisters...

[Mossyhorn]

I'm planning on going on a weekend hiking trip, we were talking about heading to the Three Sisters Wilderness. Someone told me the old Mckenzie HWY is still closed. But I really can't imagine that. I've never hiked up there but was wondering, can you hike to the summit of The North Sister? Without the aid of climbing gear?

[Brookiebuster]

Don't know anything about the climbing gear, but old mckenzie highway is open all the way through.

[Eagleclaw]

Originally Posted by Brookiebuster

Don't know anything about the climbing gear, but old mckenzie highway is open all the way through.

they must of just opened it was over in that area last weekend and it was still closed.. good to hear thanks for the post

[dre5063]

My 14 yr old climbed S. SIsters yesterday if that's any help...no gear.

[Lucky Guy]

McKenzie Pass opened yesterday. N. Sister depends on your experience level. If you don't have gear you might think about South Sister. It makes a great weekend trip. I'm in that area, pm me if you want some ideas on trails, etc.

[Santiam338]

It was closed because they replaced a couple of bridges...I know because I paved them back last week..

Its open now...

[El-Kabong]

Originally Posted by Mossyhorn

I'm planning on going on a weekend hiking trip, we were talking about heading to the Three Sisters Wilderness. Someone told me the old Mckenzie HWY is still closed. But I really can't imagine that. I've never hiked up there but was wondering, can you hike to the summit of The North Sister? Without the aid of climbing gear?

NO

[drake7590]

Originally Posted by El-Kabong

NO

Second the NO

[El-Kabong]

okay a more helpful answer.

You can hike up the north ridge to a shoulder (probably around 9000' guessing on that) expect scree and very loose rock with very poor footing. After that you have the terrible traverse then the bowling alley to gain the summit. neither of which most rational people would try without a helmet and a rope (not that a rope is much use as there is not much that you can tie off too). the traverse is on really bad "rock" beneath you is a 2000' or so fall.

I am sure that people have done it without gear but it would be extremely risky especially in summer.

South Sister is a walk up and for the most part the Middle Sister is also (tends to be icy just below the summit) but very doable. IMO Middle Sister offers the best view of the Cascades in the State and you can get there from the West side bypassing any glacier travel.

ek

[Mossyhorn]

Thank you for the information, that's exactly what I needed.

[Joe]

Made it to the base of South Sister last weekend on the horses. Had to detour around snow a few times...

[StickHNTR]

South sister is a blast to hike if you don't have any major experience. you will only cross a little bit of snow this time of year and the trails are marked well.

North and Middle Sister are much more technical (especially North).

From the start of S. Sister Climbing trail off cascade lakes highway its about 14 miles round trip and makes a good day trip if you go lightweight. It also connects to the Pacific Coast Trial (the biggest network of trails on the west coast) if you want to make it a multiday trip.

Just pay attention to the weather if you plan on going to any summit... it can get real bad real quick. just my