Hiking the trails of Sisters

There is simply no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Sisters Country than to lace up your boots and hit the trail. Hiking opportunities abound, from easy strolls to backcountry adventures.

Chush Falls (formerly Squaw Creek Falls)

The falls on Whychus Creek are a local wonder indeed — but you have to undertake a little adventure getting there.

There are actually several falls and cascades in the immediate area, but Upper Chush Falls are the largest with about 225 feet of descent. The falls skip and plunge on lava rock, making them particularly picturesque.

To get there, it’s best to take a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance. You’re likely to get some scratches from encroaching brush.

Take Elm Street south from Sisters toward Three Creek Lake. Drive about seven miles and turn right (west) on Forest Road 1514. Drive five miles to FR 1514-600 on the left (campground on the right) just before bridge crossing Whychus Creek (this is where it gets rough and narrow). Follow it two miles to a T intersection, bear left to the Chush Falls Trail Head, less than one mile and hike one mile to the canyon rim.

Black Butte Lookout

This is a hike that every visitor should make at least once.

It’s a 3.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the lookout tower, gaiing 1,600 feet in elevation. Most of the trail is on the south-facing slope and it gets hot in the summertime. Bring plenty of water. The breeze at the top will cool you off.

To get there, drive west on Highway 20 from Sisters to Forest Road 11 (Green Ridge Road). Turn right and pass Indian Ford Campground. Turn left at graveled Road 1110 and follow it to the trailhead.

Metolius River Trail

If you’re looking for an easy hike that still takes you into some of the region’s most beautiful country, visit the Metolius River in Camp Sherman.

With trees clinging to mossy rocks along the riverbank, the Metolius River trail has the feel of the real Pacific Northwest.

To get there, take Highway 20 west to the Camp Sherman turnoff. Follow Road 14 to a fork in the road and bear right. Continue on approximately 7.5 miles and turn left at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery signs and cross the bridge to the fish hatchery parking area.

The trails run up and downstream from the hatchery bridge. Upstream the river is roiling and wild and the trail is a little rougher, with some slippery rocks. Downstream, the river is more placid and the footing is better. Either way you go, beauty abounds.

Jack Creek

Jack Creek is nowhere near as famous as the nearby Metolius River, but in its quiet way it is every bit as fascinating a wonder of nature.

The headwaters burble up right from the ground, fed by underground springs. Sunlight filters through tall trees, casting lovely (and sometimes eerie) light on the forest floor.

A profusion of fallen logs, some lying over and in the creek are habitat for gorgeous wildflowers.

The area, which was miraculously spared in the 2003 B&B Complex Fire, is flat and easy terrain that encourages simply poking about and enjoying the beauty of the area.

To get there, take Highway 20 west to Forest Road 12 (about 15 miles). Turn north (right) on FS 12 for 1.5 miles, then left on FS 1232. Drive a mile to the trailhead. The trail loops through the headwaters springs.

Chambers Lakes

If you’re willing to work hard for beauty, make the 14.2 mile round trip to Chambers Lakes, nestled on a saddle between the North and Middle Sisters. With 1,800 feet of elevation gain, this hike is considered strenuous.

Take Highway 242 west from Sisters about 1.4 miles and turn left on Road 15. Drive another 10.5 miles on the gravel and follow the signs to Pole Creek Trailhead.

At about 1.4 miles, there is a junction — bear left for .06 miles to Soap Creek. Cross the footbridge to another junction and stay to the right. After another 2.6 miles you’ll hit Whychus Creek and a fine view of the towering Middle Sister. Continue on and enjoy the views as you hike a ridge to reach Camp Lake, the first of the Chambers Lakes.

Alder Springs

Alder Springs is close to being an all-season hike, and it is one of the Sisters Country’s most rewarding. At about six miles round trip it’s rated “most difficult” due to a steep return trip out of the canyon and some rough, rock-strewn spots in the trail.

Wildflowers abound in the early- to midsummer months. Be prepared to cross Whychus Creek. Water shoes and a small towel are a good idea and many hikers use a walking stick or a pair of ski poles to retain balance in the swift-moving water.

To get there, take Highway 126 east from Sisters about 6 miles to Holmes Road. Turn left and stay on Holmes Road for about 7 miles, and turn left again onto Road 6360. Watch for cattle in the road after the cattle guard at the top of the hill. Stay on the gravel road for a little more than 3 miles to a right onto Road 6370. The road ends at the trailhead after another half mile.

Check with the Forest Service at 541-549-7700 for Recreation Pass requirements for all hikes.

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