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Middle Sister

Bend

The shortest of the Three Sisters is still more technical to climb than the tallest.

Hiking Extreme

Distance
26 km
Ascent
1.6 km
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
23˚
Middle Sister Map

Middle Sister is the shortest of the Three Sisters at 10,046 feet, but it's still a more technical climb than South Sister, the tallest of the three.

Description

The route mapped here approaches via the Pole Creek Trail and Camp Lake Trail. The same approach can be used for North Sister, so some climbers will turn this into a multi-day expedition and climb both peaks from a basecamp in the middle.

The ascent to Middle Sister follows the climber trail up the valley between Middle Sister and North Sister. The route mapped here ascends the moderate valley all the way to the saddle between the two peaks. The peak is accessed "via Hayden Glacier on the east side,” according to Keema on SummitPost.org. The climb up the valley is an "easy glacier slog to a saddle between North and Middle Sister,” according to Keema. The route then turns left to make the main push for the summit of Middle Sister.

The steep ascent up Middle Sister is fairly straightforward, following the ridge from the saddle almost directly for the summit. That said, the snow and glacier travel continues, with rocks and boulders mixed in.

After you’ve enjoyed the stunning views from the summit, retrace your steps back to the car or your basecamp for the night.

Sources: PeakBagger.com SummitPost.org

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between July and September

Features

  • Alpine
  • Summit Hike

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