Sisters, OR - South Sister Mountain

South Sister from Green Lake ~6600ft

(click to enlarge)

South Sister Mountain - 10,358 ft.

South Sister is the tallest of the Three Sisters, looming above Middle and North Sister and is also the third tallest mountain in the state of Oregon. It contains a lake that sits right near the summit, Teardrop Pool, which is the highest lake in Oregon and holds the distinction for hosting the largest glacier in Oregon, the Prouty Glacier.

The day after we climbed Broken Top we headed out in a clear blue sky to climb the South Sister. The long South Ridge route is joined by walking to the southernmost tip of the lake and crossing the outlet on a rock/log bridge. Then continue hiking west until you are able to see a climbers trail picking its way up a loose gravel gully. Climb up this for a few hundred feet and it will flatten out into a nice trail on the left of a small creek. This trail continues practically due west along the south edge of the Lewis Glacier for another two miles or so. Before long, you will be able to see the main trail on the south ridge several hundred feet above you. Eventually, the climber's trail reaches a small cirque lake at about 8850 feet and joins with the standard South Ridge route. A fun day but it definitely requires one to be in good physical shape.

Green Lakes variation to the South Ridge

C & C looking up the long slope to the ridge line

Taking a break on the South Ridge with Broken Top behind

Continuing on to the summit up the scree

Pope crossing through the crater and over frozen Tear Drop Pool

Summit ~10,385ft

Looking south from the summit - left: Broken Top; center: Mt Bachelor

Parting shot on the way down...