Sisters is an equestrian paradise
By Charley Engel

Long before the popularity of hiking, before the advent of mountain bikes and the roar of dirt bikes and ATVs, horseback riding was the preferred method for exploring the trails and byways of Sisters country.

For many of us pony-power is still the transportation mode of choice. Hop on the original all-terrain conveyance and enjoy some of these backcountry gems.

Park Meadow: One of the largest and most easily accessed meadows in the Three Sisters Mountains, Park Meadow is also one of the most beautiful settings in Oregon. Surrounded by towering, snow-clad peaks and bisected by the gurgling waters of Wychus Creek, these lush grass pastures seem custom made for a leisurely lunch break or overnight camp location. You can stop there and soak up all that beauty or explore several side routes that take you into the high country above.

From Sisters head south on FS Road 16 (Elm Street) for 15 miles until you reach the day use parking just past the Three Creek Meadow Campground entrance. Ride northwest on a trail that will take you to the dirt road that leads to the actual trailhead.

Opie Dilldock Pass: Few rides in Oregon offer as much scenic grandeur as this day ride from McKenzie Pass to the 7,000-foot level just north of towering North Sister.

Be sure to take the unmarked side trail to the Collier Glacier Overlook just south of the pass on the slopes of Collier Cone.

Trailer your horses just under 15 miles west of Sisters on Hwy. 242. Look for the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead near Lava Camp Lake and take the PCT south. Be advised that there is a 35-foot combined vehicle limit on Hwy. 242. Do not attempt to take a long trailer to McKenzie Pass. You will be sorry!

Canyon Creek Meadow: A favorite of horsemen and hikers alike, Canyon Creek Meadow is best enjoyed early in the season to catch the wildflowers in full bloom. Late July is about perfect. Regulations force you to travel in a loop but what’s wrong about that? For a real treat, continue climbing south towards Three Fingered Jack and get off and walk into the upper basin where there is a small alpine tarn.

Drive Hwy. 20 to Jack Lake Road (FS Road 12) about 12 miles west of Sisters. Follow it to FS Road 1230. Turn left at FS Road 1234 and turn right into the Jack Lake Trailhead.

Santiam Lake Loop: Climb through once forested hillsides burned by the B&B Complex Fire in 2003 to the high shoulders of Three Fingered Jack, have lunch at a charming lake, and return through rolling countryside.
Start by riding north on the PCT from Santiam Pass until you reach an obvious high point of the trail overlooking Santiam Lake far below. Turn west and ride down the grassy hillsides to the lake where you and the ponies can get a well deserved rest. Return via Trail 3491 just west of the lake. This is a lovely loop ride offering great views and a close look at a forest recovering from a devastating fire.

Trailer over Hwy. 20/126 to Santiam Pass, about 18 miles west of Sisters. Look for the PCT Trailhead on your right. Be sure that you stay on the PCT to start out as there are two branch trails near this same jumping off point.

Camp Lake: If you have ever wanted to ride into the heart of the High Cascades this is the trip for you. To get any closer than this to these majestic mountains you pretty much have to get off and climb on foot.

The ride starts out mellow enough. In fact, much of the route rolls through deep lodgepole pine forest and views are scarce. Once you start to break out of the trees at the North Fork of Falls Creek however, the views get better and better albeit the trail gets steeper and more rugged. Camp Lake can be windy and cool year-round so bring a jacket.

To get to the Pole Creek Trailhead, which is your starting point for this ride, drive 1.5 miles west of Sisters on Hwy. 242. Turn left at FS Road 15 for 10.5 miles.

Black Butte Upper Loop: This is a good conditioning ride on dirt roads and single track that has the added benefit of providing great views of Central Oregon as you circumnavigate Black Butte. It is prime for early and late season rides. Bring a map and be sure to pay attention however, as there are numerous side roads which make the route somewhat confusing at some intersections.

Haul about six miles west from Sisters and turn right on FS Road 11. Turn right into the Indian Ford Campground.