July 25
1955-1984

We enter the three sisters’ wilderness, one of the absolute highlights of the trail, and the second largest wilderness area in Oregon.

Three Sisters Wilderness is so named for the 3 volcanoes lined up in a row, each over 10,000 feet. They are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest peaks in Oregon. It is a paradise of volcanism. Typically Cascade volcanoes are separated by 40-60 miles. This area is uniquely packed with volcanic features. Beyond the three volcanoes, multiple cinder cones and lava domes.

A Hallmark of the Cascade range are the extensive meadows that dot the area. We walk through meadows with views of South Sister-

Middle Sister-

and North sister-

This area was often visited by the Paiute and Molala tribes due to the berries growing in the fertile volcanic soil and for the extensive obsidian deposits.

The obsidian was supremely valuable with tool and weapon crafting. The entire area is littered with it.

The climbing becomes difficult due to the lava rocks sliding underneath our feet. In the Mid 60s area was used for training grounds by NASA to get astronauts familiar with what it is like to walk over moon rocks.

We end our day at the Dee Wright observatory, at the McKenzie highway. The highway cuts through 3000 year old lava fields that span an area of 65 square miles. It follows the path of an 1860s pioneer route. The work it took to create the path had to be immense, clearing tons of lava rocks with 1800s era tools.

The observatory was made by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Initially our plan was to head to the town of Sisters Oregon, but when we arrived at sunset there was no traffic so we decided to camp in the observatory.

A group of 2 climbers planning to head up North Sister felt bad for us and gave us a can of beer each. They also slept in the observatory. We drank our beer and slept in our evil lair.