The Three Sisters wilderness is a volcanic playground in Central Oregon. With 4 massive volcano’s within its boundaries you can find great ski lines on every aspect. Though the area has an abundant snowpack it is most popular for late spring corn. Our access would be via the Pole Creek Trailhead on the East side of the Wilderness. The plan was to put up our tent at Camp Lake and ascend both the South and Middle Sisters. Our first day would be focused on the Southwest Ridge of the Middle Sister. Then the following day we would ascend the South Sister from the northwest before descending the Prouty Glacier Headwall.
Leaving Pole Creek Trailhead to Camp in Three Sisters Wilderness
Amar and I arrived at the Pole Creek Trailhead early in the day. The previous day we had been ski touring near Crater Lake and wanted to visit Three Sisters Wilderness on our way north. Leaving the trailhead we packed our gear for an overnight trip. Soon enough we making our way west with all of our gear on our backs. Being 5 miles away from Camp Lake we were hopeful that soon we would hit snow.
After ¾ of a mile we were happy to run into snow. As we made our way southwest we were finally able to put our gear on our feet. Though there was still dirt everywhere we were able to find continuous snow slowly gaining elevation.
Making our way through the dense forests finally the terrain started to open up. In the distance we could now see the South Sister which is the high point of Three Sisters Wilderness. Though the snow was thin on lower slopes the volcano seemed to be buried under a thick snowpack.
After around 4 miles the forest started giving way to alpine. Finally the terrain was straightforward and we were gaining elevation fast. In the distance we could see the shape of the Middle Sister. It had been a little over an hour by now and hopefully soon we would find a place to camp.
Finally we got our first unobstructed view of the Middle Sister. Looking at the east face the only line that seemed to go was the main chute on the Diller Glacier. Though the Headwall looked good we were interested in climbing the south ridge. Once on the summit we would decided what run would offer the best corn.
Setting up the Tent at Camp Lake
Before long we were skinning up to the shores of Camp Lake. It was still buried under a seasonal snowpack which made for a easy skin to the west shore. To our southeast we had a clear view of the South Sister and its northeast face. Not only would it be a scenic area for camp but it would also be the perfect distance between both peaks.
Once arriving at basecamp we threw down our backpacks and started unloading our gear. By now it was early in afternoon and we decided to take a break. Soon enough we were melting snow on our stoves and preparing for our ascent of the Middle Sister.
After setting up the tent and throwing our gear in it we started skinning. By now the eastern slopes were starting to get shaded and soon would be in firm conditions. Our hopes were to follow the mellow slopes of the south ridge all the way to the summit. We still had a few hours before sunset and hopefully we would be able to ride all the way back to camp.
Making our way to the South Ridge of the Middle Sister we had a clear view of the South Sister. Looking closer at the slopes we would have to go up the west side the next day. While the north ridge looked to be climbable we wanted to skin the route.
Soon enough we had wrapped around the South side of the Middle Sister. In front of us was a route all the way to the top which seemed to be entirely skinnable. We were still over 2000 feet from the summit as we started to head north.
Our First Climb in Three Sisters Wilderness up the Middle Sister
As we gained elevation the views of Three Sisters Wilderness started to open up. Most of the volcanic landscape was above tree line with old lava flows in the distance. Off to the Southwest Broken Top rose out of the mellow landscape.
By now the snow on the South side of the Middle Sister was semi frozen. Being less then a thousand feet from the summit we decided to switch over to crampons. With both the firmness and steepness we felt it would be a much more efficient way to go. Soon enough our gear was on our packs and we were making our way to the second highest summit in Three Sisters Wilderness.
Bootpacking up the ridge we were gaining elevation much faster. Since the snow was semi firm climbing was easy as we wouldn’t sink in. Fortunately the terrain was an easy ramp all the way to the top. By now we could see the South Sister, Broken Top and Mount Bachelor in the distance.
Before long we were looking at the summit lit up in the afternoon sun. To our east was the drop in to the Diller Glacier which was now in the shade. Looking into the main chute we could see two tracks going down from what seemed to be the day before. Hopefully within 10 minutes we would finally be transitioning on the Middle Sister.
Arriving at the Summit of the Middle Sister
Finally we were standing on the summit of the Middle Sister and looking into Three Sisters Wilderness. Directly to the north we had a clear view of the North Sister. While our climb was mellow it seemed to be the opposite on the Northern neighbor. It was time to start transitioning as we took in the views and decided what route to ride back down to the tent.
Standing at 10,052 we were 300 feet lower then the South Sister. To the Southwest was Broken Top with an elevation of 9,177 and far in the distance was Mount Bachelor. Though most of the terrain was in Three Sisters Wilderness Mount Bachelor is not. With lifts all the way to the summit it became a ski hill in 1958.
To the north and outside of Three Sisters Wilderness was numerous volcanoes of the Central Oregon landscape. The furthest south peak was Mount Washington with a summit elevation of 7,795 ft. Further to the North was Three Fingered Jack at 7,844 ft. The furthest North was Mount Jefferson with the summit buried under the clouds. It was amazing seeing these mountains rise out of the mellow Oregon Cascades Landscape.
Directly below us and to the east was the Diller Glacier Headwall. Having seen it most of the day we considered skiing it but by now it was in the shade. Looking at the steep roller we knew that it would be both steep and icy. Instead of riding in the shade we needed to be in the sun if we wanted to find some soft turns to the valley bellow.
Snowboarding the Southwest Face of the Middle Sister
While climbing up we spotted a chute that went down the Southwest face. Compared to our ascent route it would go from top to bottom without having to go over any rocks. From what we could tell it was holding just enough snow and was at the perfect aspect for late afternoon sun. Transitioning on the summit we both agreed this would be the best run all the way back to camp.
Soon enough we were strapped in and taking our first descent off the South Ridge of the Middle Sister. Loosely following the old tracks we quickly passed the drop in point for the Diller Glacier. As we started descending we had a stunning up close view of the South Sister and the late afternoon sun.
Finally we arrived at the Southwest chute and were dropping in. Though the top of the line was covered in rhime ice it seemed to smooth out the lower we went. Immediately the snow switched from semi firm to perfect corn as we changed aspects.
Though we weren’t exactly sure how the snow would be we were happy to make our way down. By now the sun had started to set to the west and we had just a little over an hour before the sun set.
Finally we made our way to the lower apron of the Southwest ridge. By now there was the occasional rock sticking out as we carefully dodged them. Just a few hundred feet below we could see that the snow pack was thick again. Being a bit more carefully we tried to work with the deepest snowpack
Traversing Back to Camp and Our First Night in Three Sisters Wilderness
After an 1800 vert we were finally below the rocks and making a hard traverse east. We made sure to stay high as we still had a few miles before heading to our camping spot. While Amar was on skis and finding the terrain easy I was on my heelside edge the whole way back.
Soon enough we were making our way over the south ridge and descending to our camp. We were happy that we were able to ride from the summit of the Middle Sister all the way to Camp Lake. It was the perfect day to start our adventure in Three Sisters Wilderness and gave us a great view of our next days mission.
Back at camp we watched the sunset over the South Sister and Three Sisters Wilderness. Already being in the shade we made our dinner taking in the last of the light. Though we were within close proximity of our next days mission we set our alarm for before sunrise. It would allow us to take in the first lights as well as descend the East facing Prouty Glacier in the early afternoon sun.
Soon enough it was time to get to sleep as the last of the light lit up the northwest face of the South Sister. Our plan for the next day was to wrap around the area and head to the west side before descending the east side. Although nontechnical it would be a long morning. If all went as fast as we hoped we would be back on the road within 24 hours and heading towards Mount Rainier.
Day 2 in Three Sisters Wilderness
This is our route up and over the South Sister with our camp near the middle of the photo. As you can tell it was a long traverse to the west side but it would be an easy ascent route. On the right side is the Pole Creek Trailhead where our car was waiting.
From base camp we watched the sunrise over the South Sister and made breakfast. From our vantage point we could tell that the Prouty Glacier had a thick snowpack. It was our hope to find a route that went through once we were on the summit. If this worked out it would be a fall line descent all the way back to camp.
Looking to the Northeast we had could see the early morning sun hitting the Middle Sister. The ridges of the Diller Glacier created long shadows as the faced basked in a dark red. Less then 12 hours early we had been standing on the summit but decided not to hit this face. With the slope now lit up we could see that it was filled with avalanche debris.
Leaving before 8 in the morning we were happy that conditions were still firm. This would allow us to move faster on the low angle terrain. After looking at the maps we knew it would be a long but easy route with minimal elevation gain until the upper headwall.
Heading Towards the West Ridge of the South Sister
As we wrapped around the north side of the South Sister we passed the Chamber Lakes. Unlike Camp Lake this area was semi melted out which made us stay on the shore side. It was interesting because the area was at a higher elevation but water was showing. After grabbing a bit of water to drink we were making our way south towards the base of the South Sister.
By now we had a clear view of the West ridge of the South Sister. From our vantage point it seemed like a clean route all the way to the summit. Fortunately we were still early in the day and the snow hadn’t turned to slush yet.
Gaining elevation we now had a clear view of the main summits of Three Sisters Wilderness. Looking at both the Middle and North Sisters we had a clear view of our descent the day before. We were only a few hours into the day but we had already covered numerous miles.
Before long we were finally at the base of our ascent route. Looking at the west ridge of the South Sister we were happy to see it still covered in snow. While it seemed like it would be a bumpy ride down it would be fine to climb out. It was worth the long approach from east to west as this seemed like one of the easiest ways to go up.
Climbing the West Ridge of the South Sister
Finally we had made it up to the West Ridge of the South Sister and had a direct route above us. Although most places had white snow this area was covered in dirt. It was obvious that the whole zone got blasted with wind normally. Climbing up we spotted a few clouds above the summit of South Sister but hopefully it wouldn’t be an issue.
As we arrived at the last headwall we switched over to cramponing. Though it would be less then a thousand feet it seemed much easier to bootpack then skin. By now we were near the summits of the surrounding peaks and gaining elevation fast. Soon enough we would be at the highest point in Three Sisters Wilderness.
Looking to the North we could see Mount Jefferson situated perfectly between the Middle and North Sister. At the moment I had only rode the Middle Sister but I hoped to return soon to ski the other two in the future. From What I could see it seemed that the North Sister was way more eroded then the other peaks.
The headwall was steep as we made our way up the west route. Below us we could see lava flows to the Southwest and lots of open terrain. During the late spring the Cascade Lakes Highway opens and this is the easiest way to the summit. If we wanted to summit the South Sister via that road we would have to wait for two months.
Arriving at the Summit Crater of the South Sister
Finally we were taking the last steps to the summit crater of the South Sister. To the south we once again had a great view of Mount Bachelor and it’s north slopes. Amar kept his crampons on as he made his way towards the top. By now it was around 10:30 a.m. and we still had another hour before descending.
As I skinned across the summit crater I we had a clear view to the north. It had been a long but easy route all the way to the top with only one moment of bootpacks. Fortunately the clouds were burning off and the winds were low. Everything was lining up for a perfect corn run down the Prouty Glacier Headwall.
Skinning to the summit of the South Sister we made our way across the flat crater rim. Before long we would be at the high point of Three Sisters Wilderness and our second descent of the trip. Though we were used to steam coming out of other volcanoes there was nothing to be seen. It was a bit confusing as the South Sister is an active volcano.
Standing at the Highest Point in Three Sisters Wilderness
Within less then 5 hours we were standing on the summit of the South Sister. Unlike other peaks this area had a huge flat zone and more then enough space to transition. With 20 minutes before we planned to descend the east side we took in the views of the surrounding area. From our vantage point we could now see the ski lifts of Mount Bachelor in the distance.
With our gear good to go we started checking out our descent route. Looking down the east side we had a clear view of the Prouty Glacier. Though it looked steep there was a route that went through with closer examination. It would be a much better route down then the way that we had climbed up. Unlike a wind hammered ridge it was a smooth chute to the valley bellow.
Snowboarding Down the Prouty Glacier Headwall
Soon enough the clock hit 11:30 and we were riding down the Prouty Glacier Headwall. Though the upper slopes were wide open we could tell that it choked below. Not only was the snow soft but it happened to have a little bit of wind loaded snow. Here we were making a few powder turns off the summit of the South Sister.
Making our way down I soon found myself at the crux of the Prouty Glacier. While it was a bit steeper it was still a clean route top to bottom. Before long I was at the lower apron and traversing off to the side.
Although it was a steep roller the terrain went as I made my way to the edge. It is always scary to get close only to find that a line doesn’t go. This time around we were 90% sure that it went as I opened up.
Soon enough Amar and I were back together and riding the lower slopes of the Prouty Glacier. The upper face had been a bit steeper but now the terrain was wide open below. It was the perfect second run in Three Sisters Wilderness and soon we would be back to camp.
Being on skis Amar led the way down the Prouty Glacier. After a few turns on the upper face it was time to traverse hard to the North. We had already rode around 2,000 feet and still had another 1,000 to camp. Fortunately our route was still in the sun as it was just before noon and not to soft.
Making Our Way Back to Camp Lake
After a brutal heel side traverse we were back to the heart of Three Sisters Wilderness and making the final turns to Camp Lake. Still being early in the day we had more then enough time to break down camp and head to the trailhead.
Arriving at our camp we took an hour to break it down and take a rest. By the time our gear was packed the Prouty Glacier Headwall was now in the shade. We were happy with our early start to the day as we had gotten great conditions both climbing and descending. Leaving Camp Lake we would have to do a low angle skin back to the Pole Creek Trailhead.
With GPS in hand we made our way through the dense forest. We had to be careful as the whole side only had one trail and we needed to hit it. The last thing we wanted was to get lost in Three Sisters Wilderness but after 5 miles we were back at the trail. A mile later we arrived at the trailhead and it was time to start driving North. If all went according to plan we would end or trip with a summit descent of Mount Rainier.
It had been a great trip taking advantage of 2 sunny days in Three Sisters Wilderness. Camp Lake was the perfect spot for descents of both the Middle and South Sister. Like always Amar was a great and knowledgeable partner and we were having a great time riding the Cascadian Volcanoes. We had already been out for more then a week and six different volcanoes.