South Sister

Distance: 11 miles round trip

South Sister is the third highest peak in the state of Oregon. Only Mt. Hood at 11,250’ and Mount Jefferson at 10,495’ are taller than South Sister’s highest point of 10,358’. The trail is very well groomed and doesn't require any bouldering or rock climbing skills. However, that doesn't mean the trail is easy… Long, insanely steep stretches with loose footing, make this trail one of the most taxing day hikes in Oregon.
 
To find the trailhead from Bend, travel west on Hwy 372 towards Mt. Bachelor. The trailhead is located at Devils Lake, just ten minutes past Bachelor. Bring your NW forest pass or pay the $5 day fee, strap on some gaiters, and lube up with sun block. If you have a light weight water filter it could come in handy. Depending on your pace, it could take anywhere from six to ten hours to complete this hike... That’s a lot of water weight to carry. There are a couple very good water sources you can take advantage of.
 

The trail log below details the 5,000 feet of elevation gain and 5.5 mile trek to the summit in five distinct phases: The Forest, Flat Ground!, First Incline, Second Incline, and Summit.

South Sister

McCall Point

Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
McCall Point is an easy, yet scenic, Gorge hike that can be enjoyed all year long! However, I would highly recommend the spring – the trail is lined with balsamroot and other wildflowers that die off in the summer heat.

The hike begins at Rowena Crest: a large roundabout viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River. From Portland, you will travel east on I-84 for about an hour before taking exit 69 for Mosier.  Continue east on Hwy 30 for about 20 miles. Follow the signs for Rowena Crest and park on the shoulder of the road in the gravel. The trailhead is facing north from the roundabout.

Mt Adams, Columbia Gorge, and Rowena Crest

Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain

Distance: 6 miles round trip
The trail to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain provides so much bang for the buck! Assuming, of course, you've chosen a clear day. Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Jefferson, and, obviously, Mt. Hood are visible from the summit. The six mile jaunt is a perfect day trip from Portland! Pair it with a visit to Mt. Hood Brewery Co. (less than 2 miles from trailhead) or camp for the evening at the family friendly Mirror Lake.

The trailhead is located on Hwy 26 right as you approach Government Camp in Mt. Hood National Forest. From Portland, travel I-84 east and take exit 16 south on NE 238th Dr. Take a left on SE Burnside Rd and stay on as it blends with Mt. Hood Hwy (Hwy 26). There will be plenty of "Mt Hood Scenic Byway" signs to guide you.

Mt. Hood from Mirror Lake

Hunts Cove Loop

Distance: 17 mile loop

Pamelia Lake is a perfect backpacking destination for the uninitiated. The trail leading to Pamelia Lake and its numerous campsites is very well maintained, relatively flat, and only 2.3 miles in length! It’s not uncommon for families and youngsters to make the short and scenic trek.  If bringing the family, or any small group, you are required to obtain a limit access permit. Permits are available from Memorial Day through Columbus Day and can be purchased for a few dollars through recreation.gov. Permits can be difficult to score during peak season, so plan accordingly. 

The 12.5 mile Hunts Cove Loop begins at the footsteps of Pamelia Lake. Add the 4.6 mile out-and-back hike from the parking lot and your mileage total equals 17.1. Below is my early season attempt at completing the 17 mile loop. For best results, plan your trip between July – September.

To reach Pamelia Lake from Portland, take I-5 south until reaching the city limits of Salem. From the Salem area take HWY 22 (exit 253) east towards Detroit Lake. Follow HWY 22 past the town of Detroit for approximately 13 miles before taking a left on Pamelia Road. You will find the trailhead at the end of Pamelia road.

Pamelia Lake Facing Hunts Cove

Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop

Distance: 2.6 mile loop
Sahalie and Koosah Falls are right off Mckenzie HWY (126), just a mile or so south of Clear Lake. From Portland, take I-5 south until reaching the city limits of Salem. From the Salem area take HWY 22 (exit 253) east towards Detroit Lake. Follow HWY 22 past Detroit as it bends south and connects with HWY 20/126. Stay south, following signs for Clear Lake.

Koosah Falls