A group of us are looking to climb North Sister next Tuesday. It appears that McKenzie Pass is plowed but not yet open to vehicles, according to the latest info I could find on the ODOT website. We'd rather not walk the extra five miles up from Alder Creek if we can help it. Does anyone know if the Obsidian TH can be reached by car yet, or the likelihood of being able to do so in the next week? Alternately, has anyone been to the Pole Creek TH and can comment on the road conditions for 2WD, low clearance? Thanks in advance...

Currently, hwy 242 is closed gate to gate and slated to open "sometime in June," per Deschutes Nat Forest. I'd estimate you to be better off planning for Pole Creek. By some small miracle, should 242 open up, BONUS. Road 15 to the Pole Creek TH is snow free and open all the way to the TH, 2 wheel drive of no concern. Currently, there are roads in downtown PDX in rougher condition.

As of last weekend, the trail itself was showing patches of snow about 1/2 mile in with more consistent snow showing up around 1 1/2 to 2 miles in. I imagine by the time you hit Soap Creek, you'll be in it for good.

Northy is a fun climb, one of my favorites in Oregon. ENJOY !

Last trail update from the 24th.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5299503.pdf

I'd love to hear some conditions after your climb. I'm looking to be up there in about a week.

I'm going to be in that area next week for a class, and after was looking at S.Sister or McLoughlin. If I hear of any road or trail updates, I'll share them as well.

Brian C wrote:I'd love to hear some conditions after your climb. I'm looking to be up there in about a week.

Alas, the weather gods turned on us and we in turn, being the coddled Californians used to sunny skies, turned tail. Perhaps next time...

Bummer! Thanks for checking back in. I'll scope it out sometime next week.