South Sister Climber Trail #36

South Sister Climber Trail #36 is the straightforward non-technical route up Oregon’s third-highest summit, reaching 10,358 ft in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It’s a long, high-gain climb rather than an easy day hike: expect about 5,000 ft of elevation gain and rough volcanic ground for much of the way (lava, scree, and loose rock near the top).

Access for this route starts at the Devil’s Lake Trailhead off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Century Drive). From the trailhead, the route provides hiker access into the Three Sisters Wilderness, and it uses the South Sister Climber Trail for the ascent.

The start is comparatively gradual through forest—then the trail crosses the nearby highway and begins a steeper push. As you gain elevation, the forest opens up into subalpine terrain and meadows around the Moraine Lake area before the climb steepens again toward the summit slopes.

Near the upper part of the route, the grade increases and the terrain becomes more demanding: exposed, loose lava fields and scree are common, and you’ll pass the Lewis Glacier area before finishing the climb to the summit. The final approach includes a very steep section on volcanic scree up to the crater rim, with a short choice of lines to the true high point.

For permitting and parking logistics, plan on a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit during the June 15 to October 15 window, and check quota timing for day use/overnight use from this trailhead area. Parking at the Devil’s Lake Trailhead is a $5 day-use fee, with the ability to use common interagency passes.

Time it as an all-day effort. Typical round-trip timing is roughly 6 to 10 hours depending on fitness and conditions at elevation, and the high-altitude, exposed nature makes an early start practical to reduce afternoon heat and wind exposure.

This is not a casual hike at altitude. Trekking poles are a common help for the sustained steepness and loose footing on the way up and down, and expect that weather at the summit can be significantly harsher than at the trailhead.

More information: Visitor information, South Sister - Deschutes Co. & Lane Co. High Point, South Sister - The Mountaineers