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By Sue Stafford The picturesque spot known as Camp Sherman lies in the southwest corner of Jefferson County within the Metolius Basin, a geologic treasure trove that provides hints into the formation of the basin. Between volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, and a fault scarp (vertical movement of one side of a fault in the earth’s surface), the basin is now bounded by Black Butte on the south, the Cascade Mountains to the west, Green Ridge on the east, and Jefferson Creek to the north. The history of Camp Sherman is as unique as the place itself. People’s eyes light up when questioned about the old days and many residents have more than one story to share. Native Americans Indigenous people were visiting the basin and its fish-filled river for centuries before Captain John C. Frémont crossed the Metolius River on December 1, 1843, with his Indian guide. Mpto-ly-as is a Native American word meaning white fish or “stinking fish” for all the salmon that came up the river to spawn and die. Artifacts have been unearthed at multiple archaeological sites that indicate the Metolius basin has had human inhabitants since before the eruption of Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake) 7,700 years ago. One long-time Camp Sherman resident recalled that in the early to mid-1930s, an Indian woman would visit each summer with huckleberries to sell, carried in a deer skin pouch. She was dressed in doeskin, with her baby in a papoose on her back, and riding horseback. In 1855, a United States treaty deeded land to the Native Americans and established Warm Springs Reservation where the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes still live today as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Homesteaders In 1862, the Homestead Act opened up settlement in the western U.S., allowing any American to put in a claim for up to 160 acres of free land. General Land Office records of 1881 show there were five homesteads within the upper Metolius Basin. Camp Sherman Cabins The next influx of inhabitants to the Basin came from Sherman County beginning in 1908. There are various stories related to how that county’s wheat farmers discovered the Metolius but, once they did, whole families began to make annual pilgrimages every summer to camp on the river’s bank, fish, and recreate. Lots were available to rent from the Federal government for $5-$15 a year. They were allowed to build cabins as long as they were neat and substantial. Regulations required there be 50 feet of space between the riverbank and the cabin, with that space to remain open to the public, which is still the case today on both sides of the river. William Henrichs, O.L. Belshe, and Martin Hansen, all of Sherman County, built the first three cabins in 1916. Judge Henrichs is credited with naming the enclave Camp Sherman, after posting signs along the route from Sherman County to the Metolius, to guide the farmers. Camp Sherman Store and Post Office The heart of Camp Sherman has always been the store and post office. The store began as a platform tent and was run by Dick Fuller. After the tent, a small store was built in 1917 by Frank Leithauser, who had the grocery store in Sisters. In 1922, the current building was constructed by Ross Ornduff from Sherman County. Until 1976, when a separate building was built, the post office was always located in the store. Camp Sherman Store. Photo by Jarod Gatley The Chapel in the Pines The Chapel in the Pines was originally part of the Shevlin-Hixon logging town that moved from area to area in south Deschutes County as timber was cut. In 1950, Shevlin ceased operation and Brooks-Scanlon purchased their buildings. A long-time resident of Camp Sherman and an executive with Brooks-Scanlon, Lloyd Blakely, had the chapel moved in the fall of 1957 to Camp Sherman — in two pieces. With the efforts of many people and businesses, the little chapel was refurbished and ready for congregates. When services began, there was a Catholic mass on Sunday morning and a Protestant service in the afternoon. Since 1980, there has been one non-denominational service on Sunday morning. Lodging Camp Sherman has always been known for its river and fishing. Early on, tourists began to come stay and play, requiring lodging to be built, particularly Hansen’s Resort (later called Lake Creek Lodge), the Heising Ranch, Circle M Ranch, the old Metolius River Lodge, and Camp Sherman Resort. Later came Haglund’s Resort, Twin View Resort, The Pines Resort off Metke Lane, and Metolius Meadows guest ranch. The Community Hall Nowhere are the traditions of Camp Sherman more evident than at the Community Hall. It has been the scene of potlucks, community meetings, memorial services, school programs, weddings, and dances. The Fourth of July pancake breakfasts over the years have raised funds for worthy causes. The original construction of the hall was a community effort. In the spring of 1948 building began, on land donated by the McMullins. On the first day, 50 volunteers arrived to help clear the building site, aided by Sisters garage owner George Wakefield who used his wrecker to pull out jack pines. Local full-time residents did all the construction work while summer residents contributed equipment and furnishings for the completed hall. There were a number of fundraising events held as well, including a bear barbecue.

Photo by Jarod Gatley Sisters Country rests on the edge of the largest area of dark sky in the Lower 48, which lies over Southeast Oregon. The Sisters backcountry and the high desert to our east offer some extraordinary opportunities to take in awe-inspiring views of the vault of the heavens. The chance to experience soul-stirring encounters with the cosmos is part of the draw to Central Oregon. Backpackers who venture into the Sisters backcountry can enjoy that experience when it’s at its best, viewing the core of the galaxy during the summer months. You can also touch it with a drive up the McKenzie Highway (Highway 242) to the summit, or venturing up Three Creek Road to the lakes or the snow parks. The Perseid meteor shower will peak around August 12. Our local snow parks are a good place to view the sky, as is the high desert. “You want to get to a place that has the lowest horizon around you, so you can see more of the sky,” said Dark Skies enthusiast Grant Tandy. For those enthralled by the night sky, a visit to the University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory is a worthy excursion during the summer season. Visit pmo.uoregon.edu for dates and more information. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is another option. Visit https://snco.org for more information. As of 2025, Sisters is the second Oregon city officially designated as an International DarkSky Community. City of Sisters planning staff noted that, “Community-led efforts to educate the community of the importance of sensitive lighting on the ability to see the nighttime stars have also inspired this effort — most notably by the Astronomy Club with Sisters High School, who have provided community education about the impacts of lighting on the ability to see the stars at night and on wildlife and the environment.”

Photo by Bill Bartlett Sisters has created a true community of artists — people who support and inspire each other to dig deeper, reach higher.  For the past several years, artists, gallery owners, and arts patrons have worked to create a tight-knit community of galleries across town. Any day is a good day to stroll those galleries, where you will find extraordinary work in every medium imaginable, from sculpture to watercolors, pottery to jewelry, and on — as far as the creative mind can take you. On the fourth Friday of each month, art lovers enjoy an evening stroll among Sisters’ many galleries. It’s a great way to get out and experience the range of creativity to be found in this small town. Many local restaurants and cafés also feature Sisters artists’ work in rotating displays. There are many opportunities to purchase original art. SFF Presents has provided grant funding and other support to develop an integrated arts program in all three Sisters schools, giving students the benefit of self-expression through art — and the creative, think-outside-the-box spirit that is so critical to thriving in any field of endeavor. That spirit is reflective of a town where art is so much more than “decoration,” it is sustenance for the mind, body, and soul.  For more information visit www.sistersartsassociation.org . Photo by Bill Bartlett

Photo by Cody Rheault Each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through October, Fir Street Park in the center of Sisters becomes a bustling open-air marketplace where locals and visitors alike gather to seek out locally grown vegetables, fruits, meats, and eggs, and find artisan products from soaps to pet food to lotions and kombucha. Sisters Farmers Market is growing a vibrant community that connects Oregon farmers, ranchers, makers, and shoppers. The market provides access to fresh foods, locally-made goods, and educational activities in a welcoming environment. Close to 40 local ranches, farms, and artisans are represented in booths in the park. Sisters Farmers Market is a program of Seed To Table, a nonprofit educational farm dedicated to connecting food, wellness, and education in Sisters.  The park is full of vendors, and the shopping is unique and fun. Sisters Farmers Market is is a place to connect, a place to make new friends, and a place to have fun. Kids love to play on the splash pad on the hot summer days, and the Songbird Stage hosts live music. For more information on the market and events, visit sistersfarmersmarket.com .

Sisters will mark the nation’s birth with Sisters 4th Fest at Village Green Park, sponsored by Rotary Club of Sisters and Citizens4Community. A pancake breakfast, a fun run, and a car show are just a sampling of the fun, which will also include live music.  Athletes participate in running events, often tied to holidays, and artists enjoy a monthly stroll through galleries and studios on the Fourth Friday of each month. Car lovers revel in the Glory Daze Car Show staged by Sisters Park and Recreation District and sponsored by Rotary Club and Mid Oregon Credit Union on September 13. Classic cars line East Main Avenue and prizes go to vehicles that prove themselves special. The event fills up; register your vehicle early at https://sistersrecreationcom/activity/glorydaze .  Sisters Harvest Faire,  set for October 11-12 is a destination event. Vendors, many of whom have been coming to Sisters for decades, offer quality handcrafted items including pottery, metal art, photography, painting, jewelry, furniture, home décor, specialty foods, and much more. Sisters celebrates Christmas with a Holiday Palooza — a tree-lighting and parade   on Saturday, November 29, that have become a family tradition for visitors and locals alike. There’s always something happening here. Check the events calendar at www.nuggetnews.com to keep up. JUNE Sisters Farmers Market Sundays, June 1 through October 26. Located at Fir Street Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Local and fresh veggies, meats, fruits, honey, pickles, eggs, ice cream, artisan crafts, grains, and more! Info: www.sistersfarmersmarket.com . 4th Friday Art Walks March through December   Stroll through downtown Sisters and enjoy beautiful art and meet various artists. Info: www.sistersartsassociation.org . Xtreme Bulls Wednesday, June 11 | 6:30 p.m.  Come see the best in bull riding at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Ticket hotline: 800-827-7522. Contact: Sisters Rodeo Association, 541-549-0121 or sistersrodeo.com . Sisters Rodeo & Parade Wednesday-Sunday, June 11-June 15   Come to “The Biggest Little Show in the World”! Now in its 85th year. Six performances sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Sisters Rodeo Parade, Saturday morning, 9:30 a.m. Tickets available at sistersrodeo.com : 800-827-7522. Contact: Sisters Rodeo Association, 541-549-0121. Big Ponderoo  Saturday & Sunday, June 28-29   A celebration of Americana music and the arts, located at Village Green Park. Sponsor and contact: Sisters Folk Festival, 541-549-4979. Info: www.bigponderoo.com . JULY Sisters 4th FestFriday, July 4   A pancake breakfast, classic car show, live music from Dry Canyon Stampede, line dancing, 5 kilometer run, fire truck tours, hot dog stand, pie eating contest, lawn games, and a kids zone. Info: www.sisters4thfest.com . Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilt Walk Quilts will be on display inside Sisters businesses during regular hours the month of July. Contact: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, 541-549-0989 or www.soqs.org . Quilter’s Affair  Monday-Friday, July 7-11   Five days of virtual quilting classes, lectures, and programs. Contact: Stitchin’ Post, 541-549-6061 or stitchinpost.com/ pages/qa-home. Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show™  Saturday, July 12  The 50th year of the largest outdoor quilt show in the country! Contact: 541-549-0989 or www.soqs.org . Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show  Sunday, July 13   More quilting exhibits and special events that you can save for Sunday, at FivePine Conference Center. Contact: 541-549-0989 or www.soqs.org . SEPTEMBER “Glory Daze” Car Show  Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Cruise through Sisters! All categories, makes and models, with vendors, awards and music. Downtown on Main Avenue. Sponsor and contact: Sisters Park & Recreation District, 541-549-2091 or sistersrecreation com. Sisters Folk Festival Friday-Sunday, September 26-September 28   The 28th annual celebration of Americana music from blues to bluegrass, includes performances by top folk artists and musicians. Sponsor and contact: SFF Presents, 541-549-4979 or www.sistersfolkfestival.org . OCTOBER Sisters Harvest Faire   Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In its 42nd year, this fair brings together over 150 juried vendors of handcrafted arts and crafts, plus food and entertainment. Located downtown on Main Avenue. Sponsor: Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, 541-549-0251 or www.sisterscountry.com . NOVEMBER Sisters Holiday Palooza & Parade  Saturday, November 29 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Fir Street Park and Christmas parade on Hood Avenue. Sponsor: Sisters Park and Recreation District, www.sistersrecreation.com .

The three-decade-old Sisters Folk Festival has become a signature event for Sisters — and one of the most highly regarded events on the summer circuit for artists. Staged all across town, the Festival is a unique experience that makes it a destination festival for the audience and artists alike. This year’s event is set for September 26-28. Both festivals are offered by the organization SFF Presents, which stages music events throughout the year, and also offers a wide array of music and arts programming for youth and adults. For information, visit https://www.sffpresents.org . Bab L' Bluz at the 2023 Sisters Folk Festival.

Photo by Cody Rheault The Big Ponderoo music festival returns to Sisters on June 28-29 with bluegrass, alt-country, and Americana music on two stages at Village Green Park, right in the heart of town. SFF Presents, who stages this festival as well as the Sisters Folk Festival later in the year, is out to create an experience that is more intimate than the huge corporate festivals of summer. “At Big Ponderoo, we’re on a mission to bring our audience a festival reminiscent of the days before the corporate music monopoly took over — where small-town charm meets world-class live music for an unforgettable, warm, and personal festival experience,” says SFF Presents Executive Director Crista Munro. Tickets are available at http://www.aftontickets.com/BigPonderoo .  The three-decade-old Sisters Folk Festival has become a signature event for Sisters — and one of the most highly regarded events on the summer circuit for artists. Staged all across town, the Festival is a unique experience that makes it a destination festival for the audience and artists alike. This year’s event is set for September 26-28. Both festivals are offered by the organization SFF Presents, which stages music events throughout the year, and also offers a wide array of music and arts programming for youth and adults. For information, visit https://www.sffpresents.org .

By Bill Bartlett Sisters may be small but it’s big in food, punching way above its weight when it comes to choice, taste, and authenticity. Bring your appetite and savor a long menu of distinguishing flavorful recipes cooked to order. Whether you’re looking for pub fare or gourmet dining, Sisters has you covered. Indoor or out. Sit down or takeaway. Traditional dining or truck food. Want classy dining, no worries. Ethnic food like Asian or Mexican or Italian? You’re covered. From mouthwatering burgers served with old-fashioned milkshakes to ranch cooking, it’s all here in Sisters. There’s nothing ordinary about it. Most all of it is not only homemade but it’s locally sourced and the majority is organic. As it should be. Sisters is surrounded by rich farm and pastureland where farmers and ranchers are steep into the farm to table movement. Take our food trucks for example. Not your run-of-the-mill tacos, brats, and kettle corn. You can enjoy wood-fired pizza. Or roasted poblano slaw. Cheddar grits. Maple mustard dressing. Japanese milk bread buns. Even mango-habanero aioli. And it’s just not the eateries and watering holes where you have close to 100 brew options. There’s our summer Farmers Market, our community garden, fresh produce stands, and Seed To Table. The four-acre, organic education farm is all about health and wellness in Sisters — and fresh, wholesome food. Sisters boasts irresistible bakeries, putting out homey pastries and breads with customers sometimes lined up for two blocks.

By Bill Bartlett Where to play: • Three Creeks Sno-Park , an easy 15-minute drive straight south of town on Forest Road 16 (Three Creek Road) provides access to 14 miles of Nordic ski trails and several loop opportunities. The trails here are very easy and the views you get on a clear day are absolutely incredible! This is as close to the base of the Three Sisters as you can get on snowshoes without doing winter snow camping. Here you can find the only designated snowshoe trail in the Deschutes National Forest. An idyllic 4.9 mile out-and-back trek to Jefferson View Shelter. Snowmobilers have their own haven with miles upon miles (more than 100) of groomed trails, all the way to Moon Mountain and Bend if you’re so inclined. Or connect with four other Sno-Parks! • Ray Benson Sno-Park is about 25 minutes due west of Sisters off Highway 20 and is a vast winter wonderland north of 4,500 feet. There are nearly two dozen variations with a grand loop of 7.6 miles. Benson is one of the largest Sno-Parks in Oregon, room for every user. And it boasts the sturdy Brandenburg Shelter, plus two others. The mountain views are flat out stunning. Snowshoers find their happy place on the 5.7 mile south loop.  Photo by Bill Bartlett .

The Cascades are dotted with lakes, most of them carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. Fed by snowmelt and/or springs, the high lakes are cold and refreshing after a day’s hike. Some are readily accessible and make for popular swimming and water play spots; some are remote and require a hike to get there. Many have fish populations, some of them augmented by stocking. Scout Lake: Scout Lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to get some time in the water. Children love splashing in its waters. No dogs are allowed at the day-use area, due to sanitation concerns. From Sisters, travel 13.2 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 1.3 miles west on Forest Road 2070, and then 0.8 miles south on Forest Road 2066. Suttle Lake: Suttle Lake is a favorite spot in the Deschutes National Forest. Surrounded by forest, the lake is deep and clear, and everything from a rowboat to a water skiing boat is allowed in separate parts of the lake. Link Creek, which empties into Suttle Lake, is shallow and clear enough to view spawning fish. You can hike an easy trail all around the lake, and Cinder Beach provides access for swimmers and water play. Yellow, orange, or red hues from vine maple proclaim the arrival of autumn in September or October. Suttle Lake. Photo by Cody Rheault. Travel west on Highway 20 for 13 miles to Forest Road 2070 and turn in. Three Creek Lake: Nestled under the majestic Tam McArthur Rim, Three Creek Lake is a popular spot for fishing — or just enjoying a day by (or in) the water. Motors are not allowed on Three Creek Lake, contributing to the serenity of the setting. There is a primitive boat ramp on the east shore as well as a small store that rents boats. It can be buggy, so don’t forget your insect repellent. Take Elm Street/FS Road 16 south out of Sisters for 16 miles. Clear Lake: It’s a bit of a jaunt, but Clear Lake is one of the gems of the Cascades, and worth the trip. It is one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the Cascades. A day in a canoe or rowboat is good for the soul. Fishing is good at Clear Lake — brook trout and cutthroat trout reproduce naturally in the lake, and rainbow trout are stocked annually.  You won’t want to jump in this one though — it’s COLD! Clear Lake is a 40-minute drive from Sisters. Take Highway 20/126 west over Santiam Pass. At the junction, take Highway 126 west and watch for signs on the left.  If you want a road trip, the Cascade Lakes Highway offers a 66-mile scenic drive with stops for exploration. For more information visit www.visitbend.com/points-interest/cascade lakes-national-scenic-byway/.

By Chester Allen I sat on the bank of the Metolius River and watched the long shadows of a summer evening stretch across the clear water. Just 30 feet upstream, right next to the rocky bank, a trout’s nose — a big nose — poked up and sucked down a bright yellow Pale Morning Dun mayfly. Then another one. Then another one. I crept up the bank — staying on my knees. I saw a huge redsides rainbow trout as it rode a pillow of soft water and rose again. This was one of the biggest rainbows I have ever seen on the Metolius. I cast my fly, and it dropped into the water about 24 inches upstream of the trout. The fish rose, the fly vanished and I set the hook. The fish exploded into a run to deep water — then my fly popped out. An exacting paradise This sounds weird, but that lost fish is exactly why I live in Sisters. I live to fish the Metolius on an almost-daily basis. Like many local — and visiting — anglers, I’m addicted to the beauty and challenge of this clear, rushing spring creek where wild trout rise to insect hatches every day of the year. I’ve seen blue wing olive mayflies hatching in the middle of winter many times — even during light snowfalls. At the same time, trout on the Metolius are very picky, and you have to have the right fly and present it in the right way to catch fish. The gin-clear water gives the trout great views of your fake fly, and many of the fish have been caught and released several times. It is common to see nice trout hover just below your carefully tied fly — and turn away. This is fabulous —and frustrating. Each fish caught and released is special. The Metolius is world-famous for its beauty, its cold spring water — and those picky wild trout.  Other places Locals and visitors fish other water, and there are many great trout streams and lakes nearby. For a relaxing evening with easier trout, the beautiful Three Creek Lake is just 18 miles from downtown Sisters. My wife, Heather, loves packing a dinner picnic to share with friends — and then everyone fishes the evening caddis hatch or mayfly spinner fall. This alpine lake nestled next to the Tam McArthur Rim is full of beautiful rainbow and brook trout. The Middle Deschutes is 30 minutes away — with brown and rainbow trout. Suttle Lake is a short drive for brown trout and smallmouth bass. The famous Lower Deschutes River is an hour away. So many waters, so little time! Second chances Many people visit Sisters to fly fish — and then they find a way to live here. Having world-class fly fishing in the neighborhood is like having a second chance at a simpler, natural, beautiful life — especially when the Metolius trout drive you nuts. Two weeks after I lost that massive trout, I was sitting in the same spot on the Metolius. A trout began rising on that same bank — for big Green Drake mayflies. It was the same fish! I slowly started to crawl into position….

Over 190 species of birds can be found in the woods and marshes surrounding Sisters, from the smallest to majestic raptors. Just five minutes from town at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve there have been sightings of 86 – that’s not a misprint. The preserve, owned and managed by the Deschutes Land Trust, has an improving meadow habitat with pools and surrounding riparian habitats.  Calliope Hummingbird Calliope Crossing This is one of the best known and beloved birding locations in all of Deschutes County. Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, “Western” and Gray Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, and Calliope Hummingbird.  According to the Audubon Society, among the uncommon birds in the area are Wild Turkey, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Goshawk, and an occasional American Redstart. Rare birds found here have included Costa’s Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Gray Catbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  Glaze Meadow & Gobbler’s Knob The surrounding forest is good for White-headed Woodpeckers close to the western access point. The small hill (Gobbler’s Knob) at the eastern access point has breeding Fox Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee. The Black Butte Swamp has a variety of birds similar to Calliope Crossing. It is currently the only place in Deschutes County where you are very likely to find Veery and Swainson’s Thrush, which nest there in small numbers.  Red Crossbill Rooster Rock Burn The 1,634-acre Rooster Rock Fire of 2010 is a surreal backdrop and was a prolific woodpecker location for about 10 years. Now that it is older, it is less attractive to woodpeckers, but they can still be found here.  Why drive? Simply stay right in town. Best birds to be discovered by just walking or biking around include Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, and Red Crossbill.  White Headed Woodpecker