Curtissimo - Aug 16, 2010 3:37 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2010
with my 8 year old boy
Made it up with my 8 year old we weren't the fastest but he did a great job. No snow on trail steep but the exposure was never great we started in dark at 5AM and made true summit by 10:30. It's a circus maybe but we didn't see a soul on the trail until 2.5 hours into our trip and I ran into Peter Carey from my High School. You cannot camp to trailhead there is no camp there but nearby camps a few miles away or hike up 1.75 miles to camp at lake. Lake looked beautiful that was no nasty climber's camp one lady swimming looked nice. People camped on summit too said it was very windy.
Derv - Aug 9, 2010 6:24 pm Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2010
Smoke Free...Almost
Departed Devils Lake trail head about 6:45 AM and was on the summit by 11:30 AM. Mosquitoes were not bad and there was very little snow along the trail. Thought we might have issues with smoke from the Rooster Rock fire but the only smoke we encountered was from the loser smoking a cigarette at the tarn just below Lewis Glacier.
mamela - Aug 9, 2010 12:43 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2010
Climbed South Sister with our dogs
We climbed South Sister with our dogs yesterday, a 9 year old Australian Cattle Dog and a 3 year old Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix. We had bought rough wear booties for them for the top part where there is scree (sharp and pointy gravel/sand that is abrasive) but unfortunately we forgot them in Portland. We thought they did great but they were very tired on the way up and had some difficulty on the scree both up and down. Today we noticed that it had taken a toll on their paws. I guess dogs are stoic so we didn't know they were in pain. Their pads were cut in a few places and the bare skin inside their paws was raw and painful for them. Our Aussie/Collie is avoiding the gravel in our backyard now so we can tell it definitely bothers her. Our Heeler has fur inside his paws so he had more protection but still has a few torn pads. Anyway just wanted to post some info on this since there wasn't much on the topic when we were initially searching. I would really be wary of taking dogs to the top without booties and not on very hot days. It wasn't that hot and they were still very tired at times and searching for shade to lie down in. Also make sure booties fit well and go for a test walk to see if they stay on. One friend's dog did great with them and another's kept falling off. There were other dogs on the climb but if we ever decide to do the climb again we likely won't take the dogs.
Beautiful hike....snow free. not too many mosquitos.
gimpilator - Jul 20, 2010 9:11 am Date Climbed: Jul 18, 2010
Two Volcanoes In One Day
Robbin and I did the south ridge from Devil's Lake and afterward we had some energy left over so we drove across the street and did Mount Bachelor too. Over 7600 feet of vertical gain in a day. Not bad
kraymes - Jul 13, 2010 12:03 am Date Climbed: Oct 7, 1985
South Ridge
With the Pool brothers. We left the beer garden in Eugene drove to the trail head: Randy drove - they were different times, what can I say. Hiked until we passed out. Woke up hungover and took the trail to the summit. Good Times.
mrchad9 - Jun 10, 2010 2:37 am Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2007
South Ridge
Like most every peak in the Cascades the views are fantastic. The perfect conditions for solid footing on the trail up and standing glissade down. The Bend area is one of my favorites of all places.
Holk - Feb 24, 2010 2:36 am Date Climbed: Feb 12, 2008
My First Mountain
I'd climbed up along Diamond Peak's ridge with my dad as a wee youngin, but the South Sister here I consider my first real alpine ascent. I did it with my friend Ross in 2007, but he didn't make it all the way up, so we went again in 2008 and he bagged the summit with me that time around. I can hardly wait to climb the Middle and North!
Bombchaser - Feb 4, 2010 10:33 am Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2010
Didn't Reach Summit
Attempted to reach the summit from Dutchman Flat via snowshoes. When I got to Devils Lake it started snowing. By the time I got to 7250 feet it was snowing steady and I could not see the mountain. I set up camp and spent the night. The following day the weather cleared, but was warming quickly. I saw one avalanche on the south face. I decided to turn back. Maybe next time I will start closer instead of trying to do the 24 mile round trip, very challenging and strenuous.
SKI - Dec 30, 2009 10:22 pm Date Climbed: Feb 3, 2009
Winter Rewards
Holy hell what a bad day. 20-hour epic, 5 cliffbars and two nalgenes to get me through alone. Earned that epic summit shot for sure.
Snowslogger - Dec 28, 2009 12:59 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 1992
Safer than the drive
A good solo climb, easier than passing the semi on Hwy 97!
jyojt - Dec 8, 2009 1:21 am Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2004
solo
nice little walk up
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:47 pm Date Climbed: Jul 28, 2002
2nd time
This was my second ascent of South Sister, this time with my friend James H. What I most remember about this climb is the picture I snapped of Broken Top with the sun rising behind it (my top-rated picture on SP)
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:46 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 1999
1st Time
This was one of my first true 'big mountain' experiences. I went solo, and spent a cold night huddling in the car. Headed out in the morning and took 5.5 hours to reach the summit.
RussThaw - Oct 10, 2009 7:05 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2009
easy hike up
M.C. Rinehardt, Cindy Thaw, & myself hiked up from Devils Lake Campground Trailhead. Cloud shrouded the summit with wind, but had a fun time hiking another Oregon valcoano. thanx to M.C. for coming along !
sassyplatt - Oct 3, 2009 5:48 pm Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2000
Who would have thot we would have such a perfect climbing day this late in Sept.!!! Started from Devils Lake trailhead at 7am and summited about noon. We were in no hurry to get up or down -just wanted to take it all in. Very pleasant weather with just some chilly wind gusts at the summit. Visibility was quite good considering there were forest fires to the south. The views of the surrounding mountains were incredible. Spent about 1-1/2 hours at the summit (with about 12 other climbers) then began the long slog down and got back to the car close to 5pm. We may have encountered 30 people all day. No mosquitoes anywhere and just a few ground bees hanging around when we stopped for a break. We overpacked our packs as we were not sure what to expect - just cautious old timers. However, we met alot of folks who were traveling very light with no provisions for injury or weather change. While it turned out to be perfect weather this day, to us it still makes sense to carry extra water, food, and clothing anytime you are "hitting the hills". It looks like the weather window is closing so we feel fortunate to have hit an excellent day!
rmick25 - Sep 4, 2009 3:25 pm Date Climbed: Aug 9, 2007
Drake Park on the hill
Quite a hike with a 50lbs pack. Ascended the South Side and Descended the North side. Ton-o-people. Thanks to the couple who gave me the batteries!
nickkarl - Aug 17, 2009 7:48 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2009
Clear and Beautiful
Climbed with my Dad and little bro, and about 300 strangers. First clear day in about a week. The view was worth the climb, we could see the outline of Rainier in the distance. This was our 4th volcano this week, a great way to spend our vactaion time. Next year we are on to Shasta!
Curtissimo - Aug 16, 2010 3:37 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2010
with my 8 year old boyMade it up with my 8 year old we weren't the fastest but he did a great job. No snow on trail steep but the exposure was never great we started in dark at 5AM and made true summit by 10:30. It's a circus maybe but we didn't see a soul on the trail until 2.5 hours into our trip and I ran into Peter Carey from my High School. You cannot camp to trailhead there is no camp there but nearby camps a few miles away or hike up 1.75 miles to camp at lake. Lake looked beautiful that was no nasty climber's camp one lady swimming looked nice. People camped on summit too said it was very windy.
Derv - Aug 9, 2010 6:24 pm Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2010
Smoke Free...AlmostDeparted Devils Lake trail head about 6:45 AM and was on the summit by 11:30 AM. Mosquitoes were not bad and there was very little snow along the trail. Thought we might have issues with smoke from the Rooster Rock fire but the only smoke we encountered was from the loser smoking a cigarette at the tarn just below Lewis Glacier.
mamela - Aug 9, 2010 12:43 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2010
Climbed South Sister with our dogsWe climbed South Sister with our dogs yesterday, a 9 year old Australian Cattle Dog and a 3 year old Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix. We had bought rough wear booties for them for the top part where there is scree (sharp and pointy gravel/sand that is abrasive) but unfortunately we forgot them in Portland. We thought they did great but they were very tired on the way up and had some difficulty on the scree both up and down. Today we noticed that it had taken a toll on their paws. I guess dogs are stoic so we didn't know they were in pain. Their pads were cut in a few places and the bare skin inside their paws was raw and painful for them. Our Aussie/Collie is avoiding the gravel in our backyard now so we can tell it definitely bothers her. Our Heeler has fur inside his paws so he had more protection but still has a few torn pads. Anyway just wanted to post some info on this since there wasn't much on the topic when we were initially searching. I would really be wary of taking dogs to the top without booties and not on very hot days. It wasn't that hot and they were still very tired at times and searching for shade to lie down in. Also make sure booties fit well and go for a test walk to see if they stay on. One friend's dog did great with them and another's kept falling off. There were other dogs on the climb but if we ever decide to do the climb again we likely won't take the dogs.
JGHarrison - Jul 25, 2010 10:18 pm Date Climbed: Jul 25, 2010
From Devils LakeBeautiful hike....snow free. not too many mosquitos.
gimpilator - Jul 20, 2010 9:11 am Date Climbed: Jul 18, 2010
Two Volcanoes In One DayRobbin and I did the south ridge from Devil's Lake and afterward we had some energy left over so we drove across the street and did Mount Bachelor too. Over 7600 feet of vertical gain in a day. Not bad
kraymes - Jul 13, 2010 12:03 am Date Climbed: Oct 7, 1985
South RidgeWith the Pool brothers. We left the beer garden in Eugene drove to the trail head: Randy drove - they were different times, what can I say. Hiked until we passed out. Woke up hungover and took the trail to the summit. Good Times.
mrchad9 - Jun 10, 2010 2:37 am Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2007
South RidgeLike most every peak in the Cascades the views are fantastic. The perfect conditions for solid footing on the trail up and standing glissade down. The Bend area is one of my favorites of all places.
Holk - Feb 24, 2010 2:36 am Date Climbed: Feb 12, 2008
My First MountainI'd climbed up along Diamond Peak's ridge with my dad as a wee youngin, but the South Sister here I consider my first real alpine ascent. I did it with my friend Ross in 2007, but he didn't make it all the way up, so we went again in 2008 and he bagged the summit with me that time around. I can hardly wait to climb the Middle and North!
Bombchaser - Feb 4, 2010 10:33 am Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2010
Didn't Reach SummitAttempted to reach the summit from Dutchman Flat via snowshoes. When I got to Devils Lake it started snowing. By the time I got to 7250 feet it was snowing steady and I could not see the mountain. I set up camp and spent the night. The following day the weather cleared, but was warming quickly. I saw one avalanche on the south face. I decided to turn back. Maybe next time I will start closer instead of trying to do the 24 mile round trip, very challenging and strenuous.
SKI - Dec 30, 2009 10:22 pm Date Climbed: Feb 3, 2009
Winter RewardsHoly hell what a bad day. 20-hour epic, 5 cliffbars and two nalgenes to get me through alone. Earned that epic summit shot for sure.
Snowslogger - Dec 28, 2009 12:59 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 1992
Safer than the driveA good solo climb, easier than passing the semi on Hwy 97!
jyojt - Dec 8, 2009 1:21 am Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2004
solonice little walk up
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:47 pm Date Climbed: Jul 28, 2002
2nd timeThis was my second ascent of South Sister, this time with my friend James H. What I most remember about this climb is the picture I snapped of Broken Top with the sun rising behind it (my top-rated picture on SP)
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:46 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 1999
1st TimeThis was one of my first true 'big mountain' experiences. I went solo, and spent a cold night huddling in the car. Headed out in the morning and took 5.5 hours to reach the summit.
jamesmh - Nov 17, 2009 12:54 am
Many timesA Cascades classic.
RussThaw - Oct 10, 2009 7:05 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2009
easy hike upM.C. Rinehardt, Cindy Thaw, & myself hiked up from Devils Lake Campground Trailhead. Cloud shrouded the summit with wind, but had a fun time hiking another Oregon valcoano. thanx to M.C. for coming along !
sassyplatt - Oct 3, 2009 5:48 pm Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2000
Family reunion climbAll twelve of us!
Pesobill - Sep 27, 2009 10:44 pm Date Climbed: Sep 25, 2009
AWESOME DAYWho would have thot we would have such a perfect climbing day this late in Sept.!!! Started from Devils Lake trailhead at 7am and summited about noon. We were in no hurry to get up or down -just wanted to take it all in. Very pleasant weather with just some chilly wind gusts at the summit. Visibility was quite good considering there were forest fires to the south. The views of the surrounding mountains were incredible. Spent about 1-1/2 hours at the summit (with about 12 other climbers) then began the long slog down and got back to the car close to 5pm. We may have encountered 30 people all day. No mosquitoes anywhere and just a few ground bees hanging around when we stopped for a break. We overpacked our packs as we were not sure what to expect - just cautious old timers. However, we met alot of folks who were traveling very light with no provisions for injury or weather change. While it turned out to be perfect weather this day, to us it still makes sense to carry extra water, food, and clothing anytime you are "hitting the hills". It looks like the weather window is closing so we feel fortunate to have hit an excellent day!
rmick25 - Sep 4, 2009 3:25 pm Date Climbed: Aug 9, 2007
Drake Park on the hillQuite a hike with a 50lbs pack. Ascended the South Side and Descended the North side. Ton-o-people. Thanks to the couple who gave me the batteries!
nickkarl - Aug 17, 2009 7:48 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2009
Clear and BeautifulClimbed with my Dad and little bro, and about 300 strangers. First clear day in about a week. The view was worth the climb, we could see the outline of Rainier in the distance. This was our 4th volcano this week, a great way to spend our vactaion time. Next year we are on to Shasta!