- Region
- OR, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- The Central Cascades permit season runs Ju…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service — Willamette and Deschutes National Forests
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Photos of Three Sisters Wilderness
How to get there
The wilderness lies in Oregon’s Cascade Range, within the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests, accessible from population centers in central and western Oregon. State Highway 242 marks its northern separation from Mount Washington Wilderness. Select a named entry such as Broken Top Trailhead, Crater Ditch Trailhead, or Pole Creek, then confirm driving directions and current access conditions with the Forest Service.
- Broken Top Trailhead
A Three Sisters Wilderness entry listed in the Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit system. Check its permit availability and access conditions before departure.
- Crater Ditch Trailhead
A Three Sisters Wilderness entry listed in the Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit system. Confirm requirements for this specific entry when planning a day hike.
- Pole Creek
Starting point for the Chambers Lakes Trail, which leads into high country framed by the glaciers of South and Middle Sister.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
OR, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Volcanoes, glaciers, and forest
Three Sisters Wilderness occupies Oregon’s Cascade Range within the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Its namesake volcanoes rise above a landscape of lava fields, alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakes, and dense forest. South Sister reaches 10,358 feet, North Sister 10,085 feet, and Middle Sister 10,047 feet; Broken Top stands southeast of South Sister. Glaciers and volcanic rock give the high country a very different character from the lower forests of fir, hemlock, and pine. Established in 1964, this is Oregon’s second-largest wilderness. State Highway 242 separates it from Mount Washington Wilderness to the north, while Waldo Lake Wilderness shares its southern boundary. Plan around the terrain rather than the peaks alone: forest walks, lake trips, and high-country travel offer distinct outings, with different demands on navigation, equipment, and time.
Choosing a trip and preparing for the high country
About 260 miles of trails cross the wilderness, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail running north to south. Day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountaineering are common during the short summer season after snow recedes. Green Lakes, Obsidian, Sunshine, Erma Bell Lakes, and the climbing trail to South Sister receive particularly heavy use; do not expect solitude simply because a route enters wilderness. For a specific lake approach, the Chambers Lakes Trail leads 7.1 miles from Pole Creek into terrain framed by the glaciers of South and Middle Sister. Ice can appear there year-round, and vegetation thins to wind-twisted pines. Many high lakes and peaks require cross-country travel skills. Match the route to the group’s navigation ability, prepare for changing mountain weather, and check conditions before committing to high terrain. Burned areas carry greater risks and warrant additional preparation.
Permits and low-impact travel
Check the entry trailhead’s requirements with the Forest Service before setting a hiking date. The Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit season runs June 15 through October 15. Day-use permits are released daily at 7:00 a.m. PDT in rolling windows 10 days and 2 days before the hiking date. Day-use and overnight permits are separate; overnight permits are not intended for day use. A digital PDF is acceptable as proof of a permit. Permits are non-transferable, the named permit holder must remain with the group, and each group member needs a unique printed or PDF permit copy. There are no restroom facilities inside the wilderness. Plan to dispose of human and pet waste properly and carry out all trash. Trailhead facilities vary, so do not assume bathrooms or other amenities will be available at the chosen entry.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Three Sisters Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 44.0479, -121.9437
- Latitude (DMS)
- 44° 2′ 52.4″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 121° 56′ 37.3″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Three Sisters Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The high, snowcapped Three Sisters (North Sister at 10,085 feet, Middle Sister at 10,047 feet, and South Sister at 10,358 feet) embellish the eastern side of this Wilderness, the second largest in Oregon....
Key takeaways
- Region: OR, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 44.048, -121.944
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Three Sisters Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Three Sisters Wilderness
Volcanoes, glaciers, and forest
Three Sisters Wilderness occupies Oregon’s Cascade Range within the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Its namesake volcanoes rise above a landscape of lava fields, alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakes, and dense forest. South Sister reaches 10,358 feet, North Sister 10,085 feet, and Middle Sister 10,047 feet; Broken Top stands southeast of South Sister. Glaciers and volcanic rock give the high country a very different character from the lower forests of fir, hemlock, and pine. Established in 1964, this is Oregon’s second-largest wilderness. State Highway 242 separates it from Mount Washington Wilderness to the north, while Waldo Lake Wilderness shares its southern boundary. Plan around the terrain rather than the peaks alone: forest walks, lake trips, and high-country travel offer distinct outings, with different demands on navigation, equipment, and time.
Choosing a trip and preparing for the high country
About 260 miles of trails cross the wilderness, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail running north to south. Day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountaineering are common during the short summer season after snow recedes. Green Lakes, Obsidian, Sunshine, Erma Bell Lakes, and the climbing trail to South Sister receive particularly heavy use; do not expect solitude simply because a route enters wilderness. For a specific lake approach, the Chambers Lakes Trail leads 7.1 miles from Pole Creek into terrain framed by the glaciers of South and Middle Sister. Ice can appear there year-round, and vegetation thins to wind-twisted pines. Many high lakes and peaks require cross-country travel skills. Match the route to the group’s navigation ability, prepare for changing mountain weather, and check conditions before committing to high terrain. Burned areas carry greater risks and warrant additional preparation.
Permits and low-impact travel
Check the entry trailhead’s requirements with the Forest Service before setting a hiking date. The Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit season runs June 15 through October 15. Day-use permits are released daily at 7:00 a.m. PDT in rolling windows 10 days and 2 days before the hiking date. Day-use and overnight permits are separate; overnight permits are not intended for day use. A digital PDF is acceptable as proof of a permit. Permits are non-transferable, the named permit holder must remain with the group, and each group member needs a unique printed or PDF permit copy. There are no restroom facilities inside the wilderness. Plan to dispose of human and pet waste properly and carry out all trash. Trailhead facilities vary, so do not assume bathrooms or other amenities will be available at the chosen entry.
Route options
- Chambers Lakes Trail7.1 miles from Pole Creek to Chambers Lakes
Follow the trail from Pole Creek to Chambers Lakes through increasingly sparse high-country vegetation. The lakes sit amid glacial terrain associated with South and Middle Sister, where ice can appear year-round.
- Pacific Crest Trail40 miles within the wilderness
The Pacific Crest Trail runs north–south through the wilderness, offering a framework for a longer backpacking itinerary. Choose entry and exit points and confirm their requirements before committing to a trip.
- South Sister climbing trail
A heavily used climbing trail toward the wilderness’s highest namesake peak. Plan for high-mountain conditions rather than treating it as a routine lake hike, and assess current snow and weather before departure.
Sample itineraries
- Green Lakes day hike · 1 day
Plan a day hike to Green Lakes for an introduction to the wilderness's alpine lake country. This is a heavily used destination; stay on established trails and durable surfaces. Confirm the appropriate access route, current conditions and entry permit before setting out.
- Chambers Lakes overnight · 2 days
Follow the Chambers Lakes Trail from Pole Creek, with Chambers Lakes 7.1 miles from the start. Spend two days exploring this rock-rimmed landscape beneath South and Middle Sister, then return the same way. Plan for ice even in summer, and confirm overnight permit requirements and camping rules.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before summer snow recession
Treat high-country trips as snow-dependent rather than assuming hiking trails are clear. The wilderness contains snowcapped peaks and glaciers; check conditions for the specific route and match plans to navigation skills and equipment.
Summer
Short hiking season after snow recedes
Day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and mountaineering concentrate in the short summer season. Alpine meadows, lakes and volcanic terrain offer varied trips. Popular destinations receive heavy use, and ice can persist year-round around Chambers Lakes.
Fall
Transition out of the summer hiking season
Do not assume summer trail conditions will continue at elevation. Check mountain weather and snow conditions before committing to high lakes or peaks. Carry insulation and choose a turnaround point appropriate to conditions.
Winter
Snow-season mountain travel
Plan conservatively in this high, glaciated landscape. Verify access and route conditions rather than treating summer itineraries as winter hiking plans. Carry navigation tools and cold-weather equipment, and stay within the group's snow-travel abilities.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before summer snow recession | Treat high-country trips as snow-dependent rather than assuming hiking trails are clear. The wilderness contains snowcapped peaks and glaciers; check conditions for the specific route and match plans to navigation skills and equipment. |
| Summer | Short hiking season after snow recedes | Day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and mountaineering concentrate in the short summer season. Alpine meadows, lakes and volcanic terrain offer varied trips. Popular destinations receive heavy use, and ice can persist year-round around Chambers Lakes. |
| Fall | Transition out of the summer hiking season | Do not assume summer trail conditions will continue at elevation. Check mountain weather and snow conditions before committing to high lakes or peaks. Carry insulation and choose a turnaround point appropriate to conditions. |
| Winter | Snow-season mountain travel | Plan conservatively in this high, glaciated landscape. Verify access and route conditions rather than treating summer itineraries as winter hiking plans. Carry navigation tools and cold-weather equipment, and stay within the group's snow-travel abilities. |
Permits, fees & closures
The Central Cascades permit season runs June 15 through October 15. Confirm requirements for your chosen trailhead and trip type. Day-use and overnight permits are separate; overnight permits are not intended for day use. Carry each group member's unique printed or PDF permit.
Reservations: Day-use permits release daily at 0700 PDT, 10 and 2 days before the hiking date. Up to 12 permits may be secured under one reservation if quota is available. Permits are non-transferable, and the named permit holder must remain with the group.
Official source: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit - Day Use, Deschutes National Forest · Verified November 4, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Burned areas carry greater risks than other trails. Check current Forest Service burned-area safety guidance before entering affected terrain.
- Ice can appear year-round around Chambers Lakes. Do not assume summer timing guarantees ice-free footing.
- Many high lakes and mountain peaks require cross-country travel skills. Carry reliable navigation tools and avoid terrain beyond the group's abilities.
- Glaciers and rugged volcanic terrain make mountain objectives more demanding than ordinary trail hikes. Match equipment and experience to the route.
What to pack for Three Sisters Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline route information
- Required printed or downloaded PDF permits
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layers
- Footwear suited to rocky trails
- Snow or ice equipment appropriate to the route and skills
- Water containers and treatment
- Human-waste disposal supplies appropriate to local guidance
- Trash bags
- Pet-waste bags when traveling with a dog
Three Sisters Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Three Sisters Wilderness?
- It lies in Oregon's Cascade Range within the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Oregon Route 242 separates it from Mount Washington Wilderness to the north; Waldo Lake Wilderness borders it to the south.
- What terrain should visitors expect?
- The landscape combines lava fields, waterfalls, alpine meadows, lakes, streams and forests. North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister rise above 10,000 feet. Broken Top adds another major mountain objective, and glaciers shape the high country.
- How extensive is the trail network?
- There are about 260 miles of trails, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail running north-south. Not every high lake or summit is accessible by straightforward trail hiking; many require cross-country travel skills.
- Which destinations receive heavy use?
- Green Lakes, Obsidian, Sunshine, Erma Bell Lakes and the climbing trail to South Sister are especially heavily used. Keep to established trails and durable surfaces, avoid damaging meadows, and carry out all trash.
- Are there toilets inside the wilderness?
- There are no restroom facilities within the wilderness. Some trailheads may have bathrooms, parking, picnic tables or stock hitching posts. Plan to dispose of human and pet waste properly rather than relying on trailhead facilities.
- Can a phone display the day-use permit?
- Yes. A digital PDF on a mobile device is acceptable. Each group member needs a unique permit copy, and the named permit holder must remain with the group. Download permits before departure rather than relying on reception.