South Sister Summit is the highest point in the Three Sisters Wilderness and the third-highest peak in Oregon at 10,358 feet, located in Deschutes County approximately 28 miles southwest of Bend via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The standard route departs from Devils Lake Trailhead on Cascade Lakes Highway, covering 11 miles round-trip with 4,900 feet of elevation gain — one of the most demanding non-technical summit hikes in the Pacific Northwest. A day-use wilderness permit is required from June 15 through October 15 and must be reserved at recreation.gov ($6 per person); permits are in high demand and typically sell out within hours of each release date.
The route ascends through lodgepole pine forest in the first 2 miles before entering the barren volcanic landscape of the upper Three Sisters Wilderness. Wildflower meadows bloom at the tree line in late July, with penstemon, Indian paintbrush, and lupine carpeting the transition zone. Above the meadows, the trail crosses open pumice flats, then climbs steeply on loose volcanic scree and talus. The upper slope — the final 500 to 800 vertical feet — is a sustained push on sliding volcanic grit. In early season before mid-August, a steep snow or ice field guards the summit crater rim and requires an ice axe and crampons for safe passage.
The summit crater contains a small turquoise glacial lake called Teardrop Pool, visible from the crater rim. On clear days, the panorama encompasses North Sister, Middle Sister, Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor, Newberry Volcano, and on exceptional days, Mts. Rainier and Shasta. The summit plateau is fully exposed and weather deteriorates rapidly in the afternoon; most summit attempts begin before 6 a.m. and return to the trailhead by 2 p.m. to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
No water is available above the tree line beyond Devils Lake; hikers should carry a minimum of 3 liters. The trail is not marked above the scree — hikers navigate by visual line-of-sight toward the summit crater rim. Cell service is unavailable; downloading offline topographic maps is essential before departure.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes County
- Best season
- August–September (snow lingers until August; wildflowers at peak late July–August)
What to bring
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Ice axe and crampons for summit ice slope (early season)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Minimum 3 liters water
- Warm jacket and gloves (temperature drops rapidly at summit)
Location
Devils Lake Trailhead, Cascade Lakes Hwy, Bend, OR 97702
44.1035, -121.7600 View on map
Highlights
- South Sister summit at 10,358 ft — third-highest point in Oregon, with Teardrop Pool glacial lake inside the summit crater
- 360-degree Cascade Range panorama from the rim — North and Middle Sister, Broken Top, Newberry Volcano, and Mt. Bachelor visible at once
- Wildflower meadows at tree line in late July, among the most colorful subalpine displays in the Central Cascades
- Classic high-desert volcanic landscape: pumice flats, scree slopes, and ash fields on the upper approach
Tips for visiting
- Reserve wilderness day-use permits at recreation.gov well before the June 15 season opening — permits sell out within hours of each release date.
- Carry an ice axe and crampons before mid-August; the summit snow slope can be steep enough to be dangerous without self-arrest capability.
- Start at sunrise (5–6 a.m.) to reach the summit before afternoon thunderstorms typically build by 1–2 p.m.
- Carry a minimum of 3 liters of water — no sources exist above the tree line and the scree ascent at altitude is dehydrating.
- The upper scree section has no marked trail; navigate by line of sight toward the summit crater rim.
When to visit
August through mid-September offers the safest and most reliable summit conditions, with the snow slope melted and permits more available on weekdays. Late July brings peak wildflowers at the tree line when snow conditions permit early-season access.
Accessibility
South Sister Summit Trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. The route involves 4,900 feet of elevation gain, loose volcanic scree, and high-altitude conditions entirely inappropriate for mobility-impaired visitors. No accessible alternatives exist at Devils Lake Trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to climb South Sister?
A wilderness day-use permit is required from June 15 through October 15. Permits must be reserved at recreation.gov for $6 per person per day. They are in very high demand and typically sell out within hours of each release. Check the Deschutes National Forest website for permit release dates and availability.
Is South Sister a technical climb?
South Sister is non-technical under late-season conditions (August–September), but the final snow slope before mid-August can be steep enough to require an ice axe and crampons. Strong fitness is needed for the sustained 4,900-foot gain, and scrambling ability is useful on the upper scree field.
How long does the South Sister summit hike take?
Most hikers take 6–9 hours round-trip, depending on fitness and rest stops. The 4,900-foot elevation gain over 11 miles makes this a full-day commitment. An early start by 5–6 a.m. allows summit arrival before afternoon thunderstorms typically build.
Is there water on the South Sister trail?
Devils Lake at the trailhead is the last reliable water source. No water is available above the tree line. Hikers should carry a minimum of 3 liters; the exposed scree ascent at high altitude increases dehydration risk considerably.