Three Sisters (Oregon)

The Three Sisters are a closely grouped trio of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range of central Oregon. The three summits each rise to about 10,000 feet, with South Sister the highest at approximately 10,358 feet (3,157 meters).

The area is known for alpine hiking, backpacking and mountaineering across lava flows, glacial cirques and ridgelines; there are established trails and scramble routes on the South Sister and routes of varying difficulty on Middle and North Sister. The landscape includes visible volcanic features and glacially carved valleys, and the wilderness setting attracts backpackers and climbers throughout the summer.

The peaks are products of volcanic activity within the Cascade Volcanic Arc and have been shaped by repeated eruptions and glaciation over hundreds of thousands of years. North Sister is the most eroded, while South Sister is the youngest and tallest of the group.

The Three Sisters sit in central Oregon within the Three Sisters Wilderness, west of the city of Bend and near the small town of Sisters. The cluster occupies high ground in the Cascade crest and is a prominent landmark in the region.

• Elevation and weather: Each peak exceeds 10,000 feet (about 3,050 meters), so weather can change rapidly and snow persists on higher slopes well into summer.
• Wilderness rules: The peaks lie inside the federally designated Three Sisters Wilderness, so overnight stays require compliance with wilderness regulations and leave-no-trace practices.

What to See #

• South Sister: The highest of the three peaks, reaching 10,358 feet (3,157 meters), and the most recently active of the group; it is a popular but strenuous climb with a defined summit trail.
• Middle Sister: The middle peak at about 10,047 feet (3,061 meters), sitting between the North and South summits and often climbed as part of multi-peak trips.
• North Sister: The northernmost and most heavily eroded of the three, rising to roughly 10,085 feet (3,074 meters); noted for steep terrain and technical routes on some faces.