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FOOTPATHS
Walking The Sisters Country
By Erin Deggendorfer
The Sisters Country gives you a reason to pull over your car or truck on your way to Bend or Portland, OR and get active in Sisters and the surrounding areas. If you enjoy casual sight-seeing or are dedicated to a challenging walk, the Sisters Country has it all.
Everything from day hikes up Black Butte to a casual stroll through the Sisters Community Trails Program, is available on this 10,000-acre playground. The Sisters Country extends throughout the Deschutes National Forest, and includes the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, Camp Sherman (Metolius River Recreation Area,) and Black Butte Ranch. In addition, two federally designated wild and scenic rivers, the Whychus Creek and the Metolius River, are located in The Sisters Country.
For those who like to stop, shop or just people watch, walking through the small town of Sisters lets visitors take in an eclectic mix of gift shops, western stores, art galleries, and more. Throughout the summer, special events are always happening in this quaint little town; and more often than not at least one of the streets is closed for a festival.
We suggest parking your vehicle at the Village Green Park or at the beautiful Sisters City Park on the east end of town. Both parks have large areas perfect for picnicking and are very close to the downtown shops and festivities.
If walking through town is not your style, then dive into one of the many scenic hikes around Sisters on the Sisters Community Trails or through the national forest.
Developed in partnership with the Community Action Team of Sisters, The Sisters Community Trails program was established by a grant from the National Forest Service. The 143-mile trail system links downtown Sisters with outlying neighborhoods and regional long-distance trails. The trail system allows visitors and locals alike to view the area’s unique resources.
The Deschutes National Forest offers 1,388 miles of trails and includes five federally designated Wilderness Areas, three of which are easily accessible from the Sisters Area: Three Sisters Wilderness, Mount Washington Wilderness, and Mount Jefferson Wilderness. These wilderness areas are the perfect place to experience The Sisters Country on foot. Visitors can pick up a trail map at the Forest Service here in town.
These are some of the most popular hikes:
Black Butte: Enjoy the scenic ascent to the Deschutes National Forest Fire Lookout tower at the top of one of the area’s beloved landmarks. A 3.8 mile moderate climb offers a great workout and beautiful views of Sisters Country. Bring plenty of water and don’t forget your picnic lunch.
Metolius River: This Camp Sherman treasure is an exquisite look into the natural beauty of the Sisters Country. An easy-to-moderate walk takes you along the river where Chinook and Steelhead salmon now spawn, and boasts lush forests, beautiful overlooks, and an assortment of wildlife. It is not unusual to spot an owl or even a bald eagle in the Metolius River area. Walks can begin at the local fish hatchery or one of the many campgrounds in the area. Be sure to stop off at the Camp Sherman Store for a great sandwich and a cool beverage.
Suttle Lake: The easy loop around this pristine mountain lake is just over 3.5 miles. If the crystal water is not enough, stop in at the Boathouse Restaurant for their famous “Blue-Green Algae” martini or dine in their floating houseboat (the space is large enough to accommodate up to eight people.)
Other options include the hike up South Sister. You can also plan to hike the world-renowned Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail — this offers nearly 60 miles of hiking in the Sisters Country.
For the less intrepid, you also can take guided walks through the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve as well as the Metolius Preserve. These walks are held on a regular basis by the Deschutes Land Trust. Several of the summer events also host self-guided walks through the community, including the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and the Around the Block Quilt Walk. Both are held the week before the Quilt Show (second Saturday in July) every year.
For competitive walkers, be sure to register for the Sisters Stride Into Autumn event, slated for September 21. Sponsored by Wonders of Walking, this event, now in its fifth year, offers both a 10k and 15k route for walkers of all levels.
Whatever your ability or fitness level Sisters Country has a walk for you.
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