Three Sisters Wilderness

The Three Sisters Wilderness loop via the PCT encompasses one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the Oregon Cascades, circling the South Sister at 10358 feet, Middle Sister at 10047 feet, and passing below the flanks of North Sister at 10085 feet across fields of black lava, pumice flats, and alpine meadows that characterize the High Cascades volcanic province.

The PCT traverses the eastern and southern flanks of the Three Sisters massif, providing continuous views of the volcanic summits, their associated glaciers, and the broad lava fields including the Collier Glacier, the largest glacier in Oregon. Obsidian Limited Entry Area on the northern flanks of the Three Sisters requires a special limited permit due to fragile obsidian deposits left by ancient volcanic activity and used by indigenous peoples for tool-making for thousands of years.

The PCT through this section crosses Elk Lake Basin, a popular destination accessible by road from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and several high alpine lakes including Moraine Lake at the base of South Sister. A Central Oregon Cascades Wilderness Permit is required for overnight camping in the Three Sisters Wilderness and is obtained via Recreation.gov lottery for peak season dates. Day-use permits are also required during quota season from July through September. The loop can be accessed from multiple trailheads including Devils Lake and Elk Lake.