South Sister Summit Hike

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Some people said it was too early in the year to hike South Sister, that there was too much snow to make it safely to the top. Well, I have one thing to say to those people: You're wrong!
Early Sunday morning we left Bend and drove to the Devil's Lake Trailhead. From there, it was 6.25 miles to the summit of South Sister (Oregon's 3rd highest peak). Was there snow? Heck yes. There was a lot of snow, but given the choice of snow or the cinder and scree that lies beneath, I would choose snow every time!
The view of Middle and North Sister with a little snow cover really can't be beat! It's a tough hike towards the top (right around Lewis Glacier), but just put one foot in front of the other and keep going - it's worth it!

Lewis Glacier Melt Pot/pool, near the top of South Sister. It's bigger than it looks!

For any hikers out there who want to hike to South Sister's summit in late June or early July: we didn't really need any special gear. Hiking boots and gaiters would be nice, but they're not necessary (we hiked with running shoes, nothing else). We brought crampons just in case, but they weren't needed. The last mile or so is the toughest and steepest, but at that point we were hiking on/fighting with red cinder and scree.

Tam McArthur Rim Trail

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This weekend we took advantage of the only nice day (Saturday), and hiked up the Tam McArthur Rim trail. We saw reports of snow on the trail, so I wasn't really sure how difficult the hike was going to be. As you drive up to Three Creeks Lake, you see the rim, almost majestic over the water, with mountains in the background. Yes there was snow, but it didn't look too intimidating! The first mile or so on the trail is bare and in perfect condition. There are some down trees that block the path in a few areas, but nothing you can't easily climb over or go around.

The last mile and a half is a bit trickier. The snow starts out minimal, but soon the trail is completely covered and you're essentially on your own to figure out which way to go. The trick is this: Although the trail is lost, the goal is to get up to the top area of the rim. As long as you follow around the rim, you should get to your destination.

The best viewing point on the rim! Broken top and the Three Sisters Mountains.
We hiked up a bit further to see if the view got getter, or to see if Broken Top was more visible, but this ended up being the best! It might not look like much, but the mountains look so close and huge, and the cliff/slope with the snow on it is really breathtaking! To the right is also two lakes (Three Creeks Lake and Little Three Creeks Lake). Beauty really surrounds you, and personally I think the snow adds to that!
If you're feeling adventurous, this hike is very do-able right now, or wait for the snow to melt. Both will end with amazing panoramic views!