MOUNTAINEERING | Middle Sister, Oregon [2019]

4,500 Feet of Elevation Gain. “Middle Sister” is one of the famous “three sisters,” which rise to just over 10,000 feet in the central Oregon Cascades, west of Bend.

🛣️THE ROUTE

We chose the North Ridge route, accessed via the Hayden Glacier on the east side. The combination of snow, gentle slopes, and a steep section near the summit makes this a great route for those seeking a moderate multi-day trip.

We hiked the Pole Creek Trail for 5 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain to camp at the base of the Hayden Glacier. This section of the trail is a mix of rocky terrain and forest.

After resting and planning for summit day, we aimed to start early to tackle the remaining 3,000 feet. The route across the Hayden Glacier is highly recommended, but it’s crucial to note the presence of large crevasses. If you’re not trained in crevasse rescue, I recommend taking a course with MAZAMAS.

Unfortunately, just 200 meters (600 feet) from the summit, we decided to turn back due to extremely hard ice and insufficient safety gear. However, we’ll return better prepared to summit soon! Remember: never push beyond your limits!

It’s worth mentioning that my first attempt to climb this mountain was in 2014, when I successfully summited and even raised the largest Venezuelan flag on the peak (2x3 meters / 6x10 feet).

⛰️MY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Carry enough hydration and extra food for the ascent.
• Learn ice climbing techniques (it’s a valuable skill!)
• Use the Alltrails app for digital maps (works offline).
• Mountain weather changes rapidly—always bring rain gear.
• PETZL SWIFT TL headlamp: Essential for dawn hikes or nighttime bathroom trips.
• HYDRAPAK SEEKER 3L hydration bladder: Lightweight and practical.
• PLATYPUS GRAVITYWORKS 4.0 water filter: Fast and easy to use.
• POLE 38HD  Great for stabilizing GoPro shots.

As I often say, “The mountain will always be there waiting for us, as long as we respect it.” We can’t fight nature, but we can find a balance between enjoyment and unnecessary risk. Even without summiting, we had an incredible time with new friends surrounded by breathtaking views.

To learn more about our adventures, follow us on Instagram @locoporlaaventura