Driving Tour to Sisters, Oregon

After the town of Belknap Springs, the road turns north and passes Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, which are located just off the road. Parking lots for the falls and trailheads on the way are dirt and are often muddy.

The altitude increases in this area and the sides of the road are covered in deep snow most of the year. Every attempt is made to keep the road itself clear.

There are high mountain roads, particularly route 242, which are only passable in summer, if even then. Under no circumstances should a traveler attempt to bypass a locked gate to travel on a road deemed impassable.

The Oregon Cascades

After the falls, highway 126 meets up with Route 20 and continues through the highest stretch, with the most spectacular scenery. The mountains in this area are clearly visible and are snowcapped all year.

Signs with the names Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson, and Three Fingered Jack have arrows pointing into the distance. These are actually pointing in the direction of some of the larger mountains in view.

It is in this area that chains are needed, and there are areas for vehicles to pull over to attach the chains. The road in this area is named the Oregon Scenic Byway and crosses the Cascades via the McKenzie and Santiam Passes. The Hoodoo ski resort is this area, along with many places designated as winter recreation areas. In this altitude and latitude, winter stretches out for a long time.

Sisters Oregon

Coming down from the mountains, the small town of Sisters welcomes visitors with a quaint tourist area and a great view of three large mountains known as The Sisters. North, Middle, and South, the Sisters are all over 10,000 feet and dominate the skyline to the South of the town.

In the town are the expected restaurants and gift shops that a traveler will find in most towns. Souvenirs are cheap and plentiful, and the town has parks and free parking along the main drag, which is few blocks long an easy walk.

Whether you continue to the east to the lovely city of Bend or retrace your steps to Eugene, Springfield, or Corvallis, the road back to civilization will be just as breathtaking as the ride into the Oregon Cascades.

In any season, vacationers will find that Sisters, Oregon, nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, has an abundance of exciting sights and activities.

There is never a “best” vacation time in Sisters, Oregon. No matter the time of year, there will be something exciting occurring. From the Hoo-Doo/Sisters Winter Carnival in February to Rodeo weekend in June to the internationally famous Outdoor Quilt Show in July, to Jazz and Folk Festivals in September, the activities are endless.

Location

Sisters, Oregon, sits at the foot of the Cascade Mountains under the towering, magnificent, snowcapped Three Sisters Mountains, named Faith, Hope, and Charity. Formerly a small logging community, this town is now a major tourist attraction. Highway 20 traverses through this little enclave which is located approximately eighteen miles west of the “metropolis” of Bend, Oregon. Surrounded by National Forest and BLM lands, the area is blessed with snowy winters and sunny summers. Visitors arrive by plane (which land in nearby Redmond, Oregon) car, and sometimes mule, horse and bicycle.

Hiking in Sisters Area

Hiking in this area is superb. Peterson Ridge, on the outskirts of Sisters off Road 16, and the spectacular walks at Three Creek, about ten miles further up the same road, have unforgettable treks.

Despite the fact that Tam McArthur Rim at Three Creek is almost all uphill, the incredible panoramic views at the top make the uphill journey well worth the effort. Broken Top Mountain can be accessed from there also. Dedicated hikers take on the Three Sisters mountains themselves, especially the South Sister. Hikers are advised to be well conditioned for this climb and to watch the weather no matter the time of year.

Peterson Ridge has hiked through Ponderosa Pine forests with spectacular snow-capped vistas. Black Butte is another hike that offers remarkable views. Countless treks in the area lead to high mountain lakes, accessible only by foot or horseback.