Hey all.

I want to do south and middle sister sometime in the upcoming month, over 1 or 2 nights, single trip. Depending, of course. I am not that familiar with the trailheads near the sisters. But I am under the impression (partially since coming from Corvallis) that the Obsidian Creek TH would probably be the way to go.

Preliminary plan, TBD...
Day 1: The plan was to start at Obsidian Creek TH and camp at the saddle between the mountains, in the vicinity of the Irving Glacier or Chambers Lake.
Day 2a: Middle Sister first. Probably follow the weakly defined ridge above the Irving Glacier and then head a little East and meet up on the ridge that seems like it meets the southern side of the Hayden Glacier. Then back down as I determine seems reasonable.
Day 2b: South Sister via the north side. Not sure on this one, this is where I really want input! I haven't read much on north side ascents. I was thinking the ridge thats between the Eugene and Lost Creek Glaciers. I am not sure, though, like said there isn't as much info. From being at the top of South last year via Devils Lake TH I do remember there being a bit of a crest it at the top that could be tricky to get around/over. I didn't look that hard last year or circle the crater, but I remember thinking that. Maybe depending if I get a ice tool or two by then. Not sure if there will be any sort of a cornice remaining, I wouldn't think so.

Anyhow pretty much open to any suggestion of routes. I'll probably be solo'ing them/it, maybe one or the other, TBD. I'd like to do them both, assuming the north side of South Sister isn't a big hazard. I have like 5 days off next week, so I might want to do it then.

Says the Obsidian TH is open too. If there is a snow bank and I get stuck, maybe it'll melt out by the time I get back. Lol
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 299503.pdf

Thanks, guys/gals.

Kyle.

I know a few people that have gone in to Middle Sister via Pole Creek since it is usually open before Obsidian. Found this, at least lists some difficulties of the north side.

http://web.pdx.edu/~cgrd/North%20Route%20South%20Sister.html

Lol thats not looking very promising. F.

Well actually, wait, thats not the same ridge as I was originally thinking. Good. Although it looks like a wonderful Spring challenge, maybe.

McKenzie Highway is still closed, but the road is bare at least to the Obsidian TH. I hiked up from the west closure gate today, sunny 10 mile roundtrip. The actual Obsidian TH is still under a foot or so at the highway but there's plenty of foot and skin tracks heading in.

Cool. I didn't end up being able to go this week, picked up a extra work shift. But two weekends form now a few buds are talking about it. Might be there, Jefferson, or maybe somewhere in WA. I still want to do these S and M within a month before the snow is too much further gone. THanks for the update Philo.

kylenicolls wrote:Cool. I didn't end up being able to go this week, picked up a extra work shift. But two weekends form now a few buds are talking about it. Might be there, Jefferson, or maybe somewhere in WA. I still want to do these S and M within a month before the snow is too much further gone. THanks for the update Philo.

Never heard them called the S&M Sisters before!

Snowslogger wrote:

kylenicolls wrote:Cool. I didn't end up being able to go this week, picked up a extra work shift. But two weekends form now a few buds are talking about it. Might be there, Jefferson, or maybe somewhere in WA. I still want to do these S and M within a month before the snow is too much further gone. THanks for the update Philo.

Never heard them called the S&M Sisters before!

I was telling one of the old timers here in town once that I was climbing mountains and he looked at me with a real serious look and said "Didja hear they're puttin' up a fence around the Three Sisters? Its to keep Three Finger Jack out......." Then he gave a big grin and left