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 ó 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 is the largest with about 225 feet of descent. The falls skip and plunge on lava rock, making them particularly picturesque.

To get there, itís best to take a four-wheel drive vehicle with good clearance. Youíre 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 (this is where it gets rough) and follow it two miles to a T. Bear left to the Chush Falls Trail and an easy hike to the canyon rim.

Black Butte Lookout: This is a hike that every visitor should make at least once. It’s relatively easy if you’re in decent shape and affords spectacular views of the entire Sisters area.

It’s a moderate 3.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the lookout tower. However, 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: 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.

“It’s not a big workout, but I just love Camp Sherman,” says SOG (Sisters Oregon Guide) directories manager Teresa Mahnken. “It’s really a walk, not a hike. It’s so beautiful.”

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.

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.

Cabot and Carl Lake: If you’re looking to get out into the outback without too much difficulty, try the moderate 9.4-mile round trip to Cabot and Carl Lake and back.

Take Highway 20 west about 12 miles and turn right on Forest Road 12. Drive 3.7 miles to Road 1230 and bear left, following the road to the trailhead.

The 1.9-mile hike to Cabot Lake will take you through an area burned in the 2003 B&B Fire. The lake is a short way off the trail.

To get to Carl Lake, continue on the trail for another 2.8 miles. The lake is a large one right on the edge of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and you will enjoy spectacular views. There are many other areas to explore from here if you decide to camp.

Bring bug juice in the hot months.

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 and reach Camp Lake, the first of the Chambers Lakes.

Proxy Falls: This is a favorite spot for SOG production manager Leith Williver.

It’s a very easy hike offering close-up encounters with a pair of 100-foot waterfalls. Take Highway 242 west over the summit (a beautiful drive that’s worth the trip all by itself). About 13.5 miles west of the summit you’ll find a hiker symbol on a sign between mileposts 64 and 65. Park alongside the highway and cross the road to get to the trail.

The trail is a short one-mile loop with little side trails that take you by both upper and lower Proxy Falls.

Tam McArthur Rim: This five-mile hike is classed “moderate,” but at 7,000 to 8,000 feet of elevation, you should be in pretty good shape to undertake it. The Sisters area is laid out before you in all its magnificence and the mountains loom close and craggy.

Take Elm Street south out of Sisters (it turns into Road 16, Three Creek Road) for 15.7 miles. The last part is gravel. The trailhead is on the left, across from the entrance to Driftwood Campground. You’ll have to park in a prepared parking lot and walk back to the trailhead.

The trail takes you along the rim toward Broken Top. Dress in layers and be prepared for weather changes, even at the height of summer.

While you are in the area, you can pay a visit to Three Creek Lake and Little Three Creek Lake.

Little Three Creek Lake: This is a favorite hiking destination for SOG publisher Kiki Dolson and her twin daughters. The trail is an easy three-mile loop around the lake nestled under the Tam McArthur Rim. You can hike all or part of the loop with children. “A child of four can do it,” says Kiki. “But don’t be in a hurry, there’s lots to explore on the way. “ The rewards for those children is the “ka-jillions” of frogs and tadpoles that abound in the lake and its environs. Children can spend delightful hours catching the little amphibians while Mom and Dad enjoy the charming scenery.

Mathieu Lakes: Near Black Crater lie Mathieu Lakes. The six-mile loop that takes you past both lakes leads through fantastic forest with an ancient, mysterious feel, up onto windswept lava fields creating an almost alien landscape.

Take Highway 242 west about 1/2 mile past McKenzie Pass and turn left at the cinder road to Lava Camp Lake. Park at the trailhead and follow the signs. About a mile in, the trail forks. The author prefers to bear left, traversing the lava fields and taking in the spectacular mountain views before descending to North Mathieu Lake.

Bugs can be a nuisance in the woods on this hike; carry bug dope during the summer season.

Clear Lake: If you’re looking for a nice easy hike that offeres a bit of classic Oregon, trek a half hour west of Sisters to Clear Lake.

The 5.5 mile loop around the bright blue lake is gentle (only 200 feet
of elevation gain) and winds through lava and old-growth forest. You can easily extend the hike on the McKenzie River Trail and take in Sahalie and Koosah falls.

There are springs and wildflowers and glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
You may want to stop at Clear Lake Resort and rent a rowboat (there’s no motorized boating allowed on the clear, calm waters). That’s the best way to view the eerie ranks of trees that are clearly visible in the lake waters where they were drowned when the lake formed.

To get there, drive west on Highway 20 to the Santiam Junction, then
take Highway 126 3.7 miles to the signs for Clear Lake Resort and Picnic Area.

Canyon Creek Meadow: Canyon Creek Meadow is a favorite of many local folks who enjoy wildflowers and a peaceful, easy walk through a high alpine meadow. With the creek running through the meadow, you hike to the musical sound of water burbling along — and under the magnificent backdrop of Three Fingered Jack.

Take Highway 20 12 miles west from Sisters to Jack Lake Road and follow it to Road 1230. Turn left to Road 1234 and turn right to Jack Lake Campground.

Visit Suttle Lake and enjoy a walk along the Loop Trail, an easy 3.7-mile walk around the lake.

All these hikes and more can be found in “100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades” by William L. Sullivan, which was used as a reference for this story.