Whychus Creek Trail
The Whychus Creek Trail leads hikers to a scenic overlook with views of North, Middle and South Sister, nicknamed Faith, Hope and Charity. Hikers have two options to reach the top: take the out-and-back south trail for an easy 1-mile hike, or turn it into a 3-mile loop by taking the north trail up and the south trail back down. Enjoy the views of the meandering river and cool off under the shade of towering ponderosa pines as well as Douglas and white firs. From Sisters, follow Elm Street as it becomes Three Creek Road (or Forest Road 16) for 5 miles, and the trailhead will be on your right.
Black Butte Hiking Trail
North of Sisters on U.S. Highway 20, visitors can discover Black Butte, an extinct volcano that provides expansive views of the mountains in Central Oregon. This trail is open year round to hikers, and great for snowshoers, when the snow falls. The 2-mile hike to the summit is considered moderate in difficulty, as hikers climb around 1,500 vertical feet along the side of the volcano. On a clear day, hikers can see mountain peaks like the Three Sisters, Broken Top, Jefferson, Hood and even St. Helens. This is a popular hike, and a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required to park near the trailhead. This hike’s trailhead is located near the popular resort destination, Black Butte Ranch, which offers recreational activities like golf, horseback riding and more.
Moraine Lake Trail
Popular for both day hiking and backpacking, the Moraine Lake Trail leads hikers deep within the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. About five miles out-and-back, the trail is rated as moderate and takes hikers up and down nearly 1,500 vertical feet. Not only will the trail go along Moraine Lake, which is great for swimming when the weather is warm enough, the trail will also lead hikers to an overlook with clear views of South Sister and Broken Top. Whether you’re looking for a summer dip into some cool waters, or an enchanted hike through a snowy forest, this trail will not disappoint. We recommend going sometime between March and November. The trailhead is accessible near Devils Lake, which will take about an hour’s drive from Sisters when going through Bend down the Cascade Lakes Highway.
South Sister Trail
Recommended for more advanced hikers and backpackers, the trail leading up South Sister is nearly 12 miles long but well worth the effort. This beautiful hike leads hikers all the way to the summit where they are granted 360 degree views of the Cascade Range, the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Deschutes National Forest. Also about an hour from Sisters, hikers will want to start at the Devils Lake trailhead. Near the summit, hikers get to check out Teardrop Pool, which is officially the state of Oregon’s highest elevation lake. This hike begins in a wooded area that slowly thins out as hikers near the summit, which feels much more like a barren mountain peak. Like the Moraine Lake Trail, this hike is also accessed through the Cascade Lakes Highway, meaning visitors from Sisters will want to drive about an hour, passing through Bend, to access the trail.
Matthieu Lakes Trail
A great and well-rounded option, the Matthieu Lakes Trail is a 5-mile loop that packs a lot of terrain in a short distance. Hikers will be overjoyed to see black lava flow, tall green pines, snowy mountain peaks and pristine blue water at both North and South Matthieu Lakes. From August to September, be on the lookout for huckleberry bushes. At the north lake, feel free to take a dip in the waters when the temperature outside is hot enough. At the higher elevations of the south lake, be on the lookout for other mountain peaks like North and Middle Sister. We recommend going from May until November to avoid any hazardous winter conditions like excessive snow and ice. From Sisters, the trailhead is about 30 minutes down Highway 242.
Don’t forget to round out your Central Oregon vacation with some other activities, from hiking and kayaking to brewery hopping, skiing, shopping and so much more. When you make it back to Sisters and need to refuel after a day of hiking, be sure to try out some of the best restaurants in Sisters.
While you’re out enjoying the many mountains, rivers and forests that Sisters offers, be sure to take care of the land you’re on, so that future generations can enjoy it just as much as you do. Do your best to leave no trace by remaining on designated trails, keeping dogs on leashes where it is required and leaving some space in your bag for any trash that might accumulate. If we all do our part and leave no trace, we can ensure that these natural areas remain beautiful and accessible for years to come.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Central Oregon Golf: Best Par 3s
Play a good golf course and chances are that when you’re back at the 19th hole, you’re talking about the Par 3s. The short one you made double on. The bear where you snaked in a 20-footer for your only birdie all month. They’re the “short” holes that can make or break a round. Some of the signature holes on the Central Oregon Golf Trail are Par 3s. Here’s a look at some of the best.
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Central Oregon Mountain Bike Trail Guide
The Central Oregon mountain bike scene is 300 miles of diverse singletrack through high alpine forests and sagebrush dotted deserts from Madras to La Pine, Sisters to Prineville. Bulletin newspaper reporter Mark Morical has ridden just about every one of the trails you’ll find on any mountain bike trail map – and he’s written about his experience.
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Hiking Black Butte – Central Oregon’s Iconic & Majestic Cinder Cone
From a distance, Black Butte looks like it doesn’t quite match the picturesque alpine mountains that surround it. The volcanic rock that emerges above the tree line gives the impression of a hill constructed with loose stones that was carelessly dropped in the middle of the woods. Unlike the Cascades that puncture the horizon to the west and north, Black Butte can be hiked and enjoyed in under four hours.
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Pole, Pedal and Paddle Whenever You Want in Central Oregon
Every May in Bend some 3,100 people participate in the US Bank Pole, Pedal, Paddle multi-sport race. (And there’s still time to sign up for this year’s event, held on May 20th.)
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Outward Bound in the City: Central Oregon’s 5 Best Urban Hikes
Hiking in Central Oregon can take you deep into the wilderness, far away from worry and stress. But sometimes all you need is a quick break from reality…just a half hour or so outside in nature, on a trail, alone with your thoughts (or with your dog, husband and two kids.) There are hundreds of hikes and trails available in and around Bend, Oregon and Sunriver, Oregon. These “Urban Hikes” are the perfect remedy to slow down our all-too-busy lives.
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Lava Lands Visitor Center a Central Oregon Geologic Gem
In the late 1960s NASA looked for a place to send astronauts who were training for a mission that would change the world. But before the mission could happen, NASA needed a place to mimic what they believed those astronauts would find on the surface of the moon. Because, after all, nobody had been there before so nobody really knew what the surface of the moon was like.
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8 Pictures That Will Have You Rethinking Some Life Decisions (Central Oregon Food Edition)
Is this plate from 5 Fusion and Sushi Bar art or food? (It’s food. Definitely food.)
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Central Oregon Hiking Trails
Head east on Highway 20 (Greenwood Avenue) to the Pilot Butte State Park. The parking area and trailhead are just east of the butte. Walk on either the nature trail or the paved road. The road is also for vehicle traffic, weather permitting. It is a wonderful viewpoint for the entire Bend area. This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Central Oregon.
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Scenic Bikeways Showcase Central Oregon’s Backroad Beauty
Oregon’s official scenic bikeways are the first of their kind in the U.S – and Central Oregon is home to 6 of the state’s 11 most beautiful bike routes. An absolute summer must for road cyclists are riding the best of the best – our scenic bikeways. Every rider can find a ride to suit their style and mood, from family-friendly to adventurous.
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Central Oregon’s Moonscape
Many who come to Central Oregon say it looks like nowhere else they’ve visited. Sure, there are the mountain vistas and the Ponderosa pines, the picturesque rivers and the deep blue lakes. But to many, the most astonishing aspect is the lunarscape — the lava rocks, cinder cones and lava tubes that dot the region, betraying its geologic history.