Contact Info
1230 NE 3rd St.
Suite A-262
Bend, OR 97701
- Phone:
- 541-383-4000
Basics
- Length:
- 6 miles one-way
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 3.5 - 4.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6050 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 6050 feet to 6600 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 550 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- June to Nov
Description
The Moraine Lake trail skirts the southern flank of South Sister from Fall Creek on the Green Lakes Trail to Wickiup Plains. Aligned above and below treeline, the trail passes lava flows, pumice plains, and Moraine Lake (an overused area to be avoided if possible). Various loops are possible, some requiring a short shuttle by car or bike to connect nearby trailheads. This trail is Closed to Bikes.
The trail is entirely in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Wilderness Permits are required for both day-use and overnight travel in the Wilderness from Memorial Day Weekend until Oct. 31. Permits are available at the trailhead.
Around Moraine Lake use is extremely heavy and because this area is a very fragile alpine environment, requires special management. Camping at Moraine Lake is allowed in designated sites only, which are typically full by Friday evening each weekend. Campfires are not allowed. Hikers camping or passing through this area are strongly encouraged to stay on official trails. Avoiding busy weekends is advised.
Details
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
This trail is accessed by the Wickiup Plains Trail (#12.1), South Sister Climbers' Trail, or Green Lakes Trail (#17). Their respective trailheads are 29 and 27 miles west of Bend on Century Drive.
