Camp Lake is at the Base of South Sister

Although many will hike to Green Lakes and enjoy the experience of the lakes in the valley between South Sister and Broken Top, relatively few hike to Camp Lake and see South Sister so close from the north. The hike to Camp Lake (Pole Creek trailhead just outside of Sisters) takes you through several miles of burned forest before hikers enter living forest, so it can be hot and dusty in the summer. However, once hikers reach unburned trees, the hike becomes more pleasant. In recent years, the fallen trees of the burned forest have been cleared from the path, so scrambling over, under and around fallen logs was not an issue in 2024. 

On August 3, 2024, the air in Central Oregon was better than it had been earlier in the week (many Oregon forest fires have impacted air quality), so the hike to Camp Lake was relatively clear. Views of North and Middle Sister stood out among the dead forest, but it was also interesting to see the new growth in acres of manzanita, grasses, some wildflowers, and young trees.

Tackling the creek (the North Fork of Whychus) can be challenging. In 2024, the natural log bridge which had provided a way across was broken and covered with water.  Hikers need to walk upstream to find a safe place to step across via rocks in order to access the path on the other side of the creek. Past the creek, the hike climbs into new forested and alpine areas, some covered with wildflowers.

Throughout the hike, the views towards North, Middle and South Sister tower over the landscape and seeing them close is  fascinating. Being able to pick out glaciers and streams and evidence of avalanches - along with ski tracks down snowfields from  adventurous daredevils, can create a lot of conversation and wonder.

Arriving at Camp Lake in August, 2024, the weather was windy and cooler than in past years. Many who come this distance will  camp overnight, exploring nearby Chambers Lake or other trails in the area. Some have been observed climbing Middle Sister as  well from the lake. For those who wish to return in a day, after a rest at Camp Lake, the hike back to the Pole Creek Trailhead goes  fairly fast as it is mostly downhill.  Doing the hike in a day will result in 15 miles and around 2150 feet in elevation gain.

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Chush Falls Is Snow Free

One of the earliest spring snow free hikes in Central Oregon's forests is the hike to Chush Falls. The trailhead is located off the road to Three Creeks Lake outside of Sisters several miles down a gravel road and then a short trek up a narrow dirt and rock road. The parking area is small so people wanting to hike the relatively short 2.2 miles to lower Chush Falls should plan on arriving early to get a parking space. 

The trail starts in burned forest - the result of the 2017 Milli Fire. However, unlike the experience with earlier hikes, almost all of the burned trees from this fire which have fallen across the path have been cleared which makes the trek to Lower Chush Falls fairly quick. One result of the fire are the views of North/Middle Sister and Broken Top are more unobstructed. And the new young trees are getting taller and starting to be seen through the manzanita and snowbrush.

For those who really want to see Lower Chush Falls, there is a steep scramble down the hillside to the base of the falls; the viewpoint at the top is disappointing with tall trees and vegetation obstructing views. However, for those who can tackle the steep hillside, the views of the falls from the base are wonderful.

After climbing back up to the viewpoint, hikers can elect to return to the trailhead or continue on to Upper Chush Falls past smaller Cascades Waterfall. This path has not been cleared of fallen trees, so it is much slower to hike over, under and around the tree trunks. However, for those who make it to the trail's end, it is surprising to see the 200 foot waterfall; Lower Chush Falls is 50 feet. The vegetation is thick at the base of Upper Chush Falls with the canyon Whychus Creek flows through steep so it is challenging to really get a great view. The easiest access for photos is up the hillside above the creek over an unsteady rockfall. All in all, for those who make it to Upper Chush Falls, the total hike is 6.5 miles with 961 feet of elevation gain.

Black Butte Trail is Short but Steep

The trail to the top of Black Butte starts part way up the butte after a drive on a fairly well maintained dirt and gravel road followed by a poorly maintained dirt and rock road. Once you reach the trailhead (complete with stocked toilets), the two mile hike to the top of the butte can be accomplished fairly quickly.  Hikers gain over 1500 feet in the two miles, but the Cascade views from Broken Top to Mt Adams can be spectacular on a clear day. 

There is limited parking at the Black Butte Trailhead (forest pass required) so hikers are recommended to arrive early to get a spot and to avoid crowds.  The hike is very popular with visitors to Black Butte Ranch and and Camp Sherman as well as local year-round residents.