This is an extremely popular destination. It is located only 30 min from Bend so it is less of a wilderness experience compared to hiking around Mt Jefferson or on the west side of the Sisters. But, the hike is so pretty, I wanted to see it. I went on a Friday but the large parking lot and the overflow lot already had many parked cars and large groups of over 15 people were preparing to hit the trail. So, even though I was hiking alone, I was far from alone. There were all kinds of people - people running the entire 8 miles, people walking without a backpack, backpackers, and typical day hikers. I saw kids with fishing poles, in flip flops, families, and the random lone hiker, men and women.
It was a beautiful day, clouds breaking up the blue sky, cool crisp air. I arrived at the trailhead later than I had wanted to because I got lost in Bend, having never been there before. Very confusing - and I still don't know how I got out of there. So I hustled up to the lakes so that I could have more time to explore. It was a bit confusing when I got to the lakes as well...eventually I found out where I was supposed to be (turn right at the Park Meadow sign) but I used up my extra time wandering around. Not that I minded, it was so pretty. But it meant I didn't get up to the viewpoint on the saddle as I had hoped. I turned around at the final Green Lake and headed back. The entire hike was around 12 miles with about 1200 ft gain. It was never very steep.
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| Falls Creek follows the path for about 4 miles |
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| South Sister peaks over a huge wall of obsidian |
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| the trail follows this wall of obsidian and the creek |
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| South Sister and the largest Green Lake |
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| Lunch spot |
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| Broken Top and the smallest Green Lake |
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| On the right track now to go around to the third Green Lake |
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| the third Green Lake |
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| From here you can see the knife edge of South Sister's summit |
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| reflection |
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| afternoon light |
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| afternoon light |
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