This campground is where most people start off the hike to the South Sister. While there are a lot of parking spaces you will find that by 7:30am they will all be taken.

The campground is run by the National Forest Service and while there is no fee to camp at one of the 9 tent sites here (no reservations either first come first serve)... More, you will need a National Recreation Vehicle Permit ($5/day or $30/annual). You can purchase a day pass at the campground.

There are two vault toilets at the trailhead. These are the only toilets you will find on the entire trail.Less

You will need to register for hiking in the area. You could get a $200 fine if you don't. It only takes a second, and it's free, so fill out your form here.

The first 1.5 miles of the hike are though a hemlock forest. The trail is very steep, but it's a good bellwether trail. If you cannot handle this short section you will not be able to hike to the summit.

You won't get any views as you hike through the dense trees.

The hike back through this section seems to last forever ... Moreas you long to return to your car.Less

As you emerge from the forest onto a sandy plain you instantly come upon a four way crossing.

The path to the left takes you to Wikiup Plain.

The path to the right is a .8 mile hike to Moraine Lake. If you are on your way to Moraine lake you might consider first hiking straight ahead, where you will get a nice view fro... Morem above, and also find another trail that will take you down to the lake.

The path to South Sister continues straight ahead.Less

The trail to the left here is a half mile hike down to Moraine Lake. A few yards ahead is a nice viewpoint of Moraine Lake from above.

There are campsites scattered around the lake. It's a popular place for staying while hiking the South Sister (even though the hike itself can be done in a day). Camping is only allowed in designated areas, and they usually fill up by Friday.

There is not a lot of vegetation around the lake, but you will find plenty of volcanic rock.... More

Be warned that campfires are not allowed in the area.

The word "moraine" is a geology term. A glacier deposits moraine (accumulation of boulders, stones, or other debris), which dams up a valley, which results in a lake.Less

The next mile or so takes you across the sandy plain. It's a nice flat portion of the hike that takes you right to the bottom of the South Sister.

The mountain you see to the north east is called Broken Top an extinct stratovolcano which stopped erupting around 100,000 years ago

This is where the climb up the mountain really beings to get serious and steep. It's a little over a one mile hike up to the saddle at Lewis Glacier.

Here the trail switchbacks through rocky outcrops with few opportunities for shade. Hikers have stacked rocks piles along the way to rest.

Over this mile you will gain 1600... More ft in elevation.Less

Here at the bottom of Lewis Glacier you'll find a small lake. You'll also find a lot of backpacks and camping gear that people leave here that they don't want to take with them to the summit.

Now is a good time to drink a lot of water and eat some food to prepare for the final grueling mile up to the summit.

Lewis Glacier... More covers about .3 square kilometers.Less

This final mile is steeper then anything you've come across so far. It's also made of very loose, very powdery cinder rock. You will most likely see many hikers dumping their shoes out along the trail.

Hikers have carved various paths through this area. It's advised that you follow one that switchbacks up and not one that just goes s... Moretraight up.

Some hikers find they slide a half step down the hill for every step up.

You will now you are are the hardest section when the cinder turns from grey to red. This red section is very difficult, but you are nearly at the top!

Many hikers on their way down like to encourage those are their way up with "ONLY A LITTLE BIT FARTHER", as it wasn't so long ago they were in their shoes.Less

You might think you are at the top, but the actual summit lies across the glacier in front of you.

You can choose to take the rocky ridge to your right, or cross the flat glacier.

In the late summer part of the glacier begins to melt and Teardrop Pool, Oregon's highest lake, is revealed.

The top of Oregon's third highest mountain sits at 10,358 ft. Enjoy the views to the north of the Middle and North Sisters. Beyond that you can see Mt Washington, Mt Jefferson, Mt Hood, & Mt St Helens. To the south you can see Diamond Peak.

Great job! But be prepared for a very steep, grueling six mile hike down the mountain!