[Gimpilator]

Part of the deal I struck with my boss that enabled me to take time off for the Greece and Egypt trip this Spring was to work a promotional gig in Oregon in the middle of July. Bummer! During the height of mountaineering season, on one of the best weekends, I would be stuck working. But then I started thinking about the volcanoes. My counter offer to my boss was to get a company vehicle and a couple of extra days to get back to Washington after the work was done. He accepted.

Paulina Peak

USGS Marker

Lakes Overlook

Each day I worked I would stare at the three sisters which were visible from the parking lot. After getting off early from my position one afternoon I snuck over to check out Paulina Peak (7985) and Newberry Crater which has a couple lakes and a huge obsidian flow. It was really just a drive up to the rim of an old volcanic crater, but at least it got me over 7000 feet.

South Sister, South Ridge

Mount Bachelor Seen From South Sister

Broken Top

Small Lake Below The Lewis Glacier

Lewis Glacier Runoff

Then finally the weekend ended. My friend Robbin drove down from Washington to meet me that evening and we went to the trailhead for South Sister (10,358 feet) which is the highest in the Three Sisters Wilderness. We got an early start the next morning and made good time on the south ridge. Near the base of the Lewis Glacier we passed a small lake and from there it wasn't far to the summit. On top we had views of the other volcanoes to the north including Middle Sister, North Sister, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood. We descend quickly making good time even though I took us a little off route.

High On The South Ridge

Near The Summit

The Summit

Happy Peakbaggers

We had planned to do Mount Bachelor (9065 feet) the next day but there was plenty of daylight left and we were both feeling good so we decided to go for it. We followed the ski lifts on the north ridge and once again made good time getting to the summit although we were both feeling a little tired after 7600 feet of gain. On the summit we met a man from Florida that was also in town for business. His exuberance for being in such an amazing place was contagious. We felt sorry for him living in such a flat place.

Mount Bachelor

Florida Man On Bachelor Summit

I Count 7 Volcanoes

We sat on the summit for about a half hour talking, laughing and just being happy to be alive. We bid our friend farewell and turned back to the north ridge. Snow conditions were perfect and I was able to do a standing glissade that lasted for (((2000 FEET))). As my friends know, I love standing glissades and this was the best one to date. We came down 2000 feet in about 18 minutes. Back at the car, there was still plenty of daylight left. I looked at Robbin and half-joking asked her which one we were going to do next. Even if we had wanted to, I was all out of beta so that would have to do.

On A Ledge

Sawtooth Ridge

Exposure

High Rock Lookout

We agreed to drive north and spend the night in the parking lot at the Mount Hood ski area, so we could admire an even bigger volcano. I've slept there before and even thought I pitched a tent, nobody bothered us. The next morning I was able to get reception on my internet phone so I looked up the information for High Rock (5685 feet). Got it, bingo! Time for one last hurrah before going home. The trail to High Rock was short and easy so I convinced Robbin not to carry her pack. We just put some snacks in our pockets and went up. High Rock is inside the triangle of big volcanoes. From the lookout we could see Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. We were closest to Mount Rainier. The view of Washington's highest volcano, just a handful of hours after seeing Oregon's highest, was just as impressive if not more so.

High Rock Lookout and Rainier

Very Happy Peakbaggers

Rainier Detail

[David¹]

I like these 'off-season' reports - Thanks for posting it

[Get Out and Go]

Wow, still enough in the tank to do Bachelor in the same day. Doesn't sound too "gimpy" to me. South Sister has been a permanent fixture on my list. Every summer I do some messin' around on Hood when I visit family in Portland. Maybe this year I'll try and get down there. As David said, nice inspiring blue sky summer warmth report.

[Magellan]

Volcano hogging! I love it.

[EastKing]

Great report Gimp. There are a couple more peaks down there that ae on my list!!!

[Gimpilator]

Greg, When you go back, let's go together. I had a permit for Middle Sister but Robbin had an upcoming job interview that held us back. So I too must return. Adam

[Mopti Sévaré]

Hey, just curious to know if you know of a route that goes down on the NW or West side of South Sister [along Lost Creek Glacier] in order to reach Chambers lakes. I am planning on scrambling South and Middle this summer and cannot seem to find any beta on that route...even though it looks feasible on maps and google earth. Cheers

[Gimpilator]

Hey, wish I had something useful I could pass along. Honestly, I don't know much about this area. Anyone else out there have any ideas?