Middle Sister stands as Oregon’s fifth highest point, offering a variety of routes and breathtaking views of the Central Cascades, near Bend. While the North Ridge via the Hayden Glacier isn’t a highly technical climb, it makes for a long day, and all team members must be in good shape and well-rested.
🛣️The Route:
Our adventure began at 5,300 feet, taking the Pole Creek trail at 11:30 AM on Friday, July 14. This was an official MAZAMAS climb, so we met up with the leader and part of the team at that point.
We set off through a rugged trail surrounded by scattered rocks and leafless trees, under a blazing sun. About an hour in, we stopped by a small creek for a quick break before continuing toward our base camp at the Hayden Glacier.
The next morning, we woke around 5 AM and started the glacier ascent. We divided into teams of four, roped up with climbing gear, moving up a 30-degree slope.
⚠️ Even though this route isn’t considered technical, I highly recommend being in good physical condition. Always be honest with yourself—if you haven’t trained enough, it’s best to wait for another chance, rather than put yourself and the team at risk.
We pushed on to a saddle known as Prouty Point, which separates North Sister from Middle Sister, then followed the North Ridge route that led us to the summit. What a summit it was!
A Summit with Meaning
This climb was particularly meaningful to me because I carried a massive Venezuelan flag—measuring 2 x 3 meters (10 x 6 feet). Based on my research, no flag this size had ever been raised on Middle Sister before.
After snapping photos and enjoying a quick meal, we descended back to camp. I decided to spend an extra night to savor the mountain air and the sweet taste of summiting.
Raising Venezuela’s enormous flag (2 x 3 meters / 10 x 6 feet) on the summit of Middle Sister – July 15, 2017.
☀️Current Weather
Three Sisters Weather Forecast
⛰️My Recommendations
- Hydration & snacks – Bring extra water and food for the climb.
- Navigation – Use the Alltrails app for offline maps (super useful without cell service).
- Headlamp – PETZL SWIFT TL: is a game-changer if you’re moving at dawn or need a bathroom break in the middle of the night.
- Backpack – The ultralight OSPREY EXOS 48, with AirSpeed suspension is insanely comfortable. Weight: ~2.27 lbs (1.03 kg).
- Stove – The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove weighs only 10 g (0.3 oz), boils water fast, and has push-button ignition—perfect for cutting down pack weight.
- Hydration bladder HYDRAPAK SEEKER 3L: light and super practical.
- Water filter PLATYPUS GRAVITYWORKS 4.0: filters water fast and is incredibly easy to use.
- Action shots – For epic helmet shots, I recommend the SP Gadgets POV Extender Accessories for Action Camera for GoPro
We had an unforgettable weekend in the mountains with friends—an experience I’d recommend to anyone who loves adventure.