Bend, Oregon
South Sister Summit Trail
Oregon's third-highest peak with a turquoise crater lake on top.
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Length
- 12 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 4,900 ft
- Duration
- 8–10
- Best Season
- Aug–Sep
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Oregon 10,000-footer, Crater lake summit
About the trail
South Sister (10,358 ft) is the highest non-technical summit in Oregon. Devil's Lake Trailhead climbs through old-growth fir to Moraine Lake, then up loose volcanic scree to a small crater lake at the summit — the highest lake in Oregon. The Middle and North Sisters, Broken Top, Mount Bachelor, and on clear days Mount Hood line up across the horizon.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 44.1035, -121.7689Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at Devil's Lake Trailhead off Cascade Lakes Highway (NW Forest Pass required).
- Climb 1.7 miles through forest to the plateau.
- Skirt Moraine Lake and ascend the south ridge.
- Trudge the final scree slope to the summit crater.
- Return via the same route.
Parking
Devil's Lake Trailhead — Central Cascades Wilderness Permit required mid-June through October.
Tips from the trail
- Reserve a day-use permit at recreation.gov well in advance.
- Bring gaiters — the scree fills your shoes.
- No water above Moraine Lake; carry 3+ liters.