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- Middle Sister
10,047 ft · Cascade Range, Oregon
Middle Sister
Middle Sister is a 10,047 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Oregon. The standard route is the Via Pole Creek Trail: 16 mi, 5,052 ft of gain, Class 3.
Middle Sister at a glance
- Elevation10,047 ft3,062 m
- RouteVia Pole Creek TrailClass 3
- Distance16 mi5,052 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonMay – Jul
- RangeCascade RangeOregon
Climbing the Via Pole Creek Trail
From Sisters, Oregon, use the Pole Creek or Obsidian trailheads and backpack into the Chambers Lakes basin below the peak. Middle Sister is a moderate glaciated climb, usually the north ridge or a line over the Hayden or Collier glaciers, with Class 2 to 3 terrain and straightforward glacier travel. Bring an ice axe and crampons, and carry a rope for crevasses late season. Limited-entry wilderness permits are required, and the long approach makes this a multi-day trip for most. Loose volcanic rock and lingering snow are the main hazards, so start early for firm snow.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–45 L)
Water
Water filter
First aid kit
Whistle
Offline maps- Paper map
- Compass
GPS device
Satellite communicator
Headlamp
Power bank
Emergency bivy
Mountaineering boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay device
Trekking poles
Base layer
Midlayer
Insulated jacket
Hardshell jacket
Hardshell pants
Warm hat
Midweight gloves
Buff
Sun hat
Glacier glasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
- Icy summit conditions
Quests with Middle Sister
Cascade VolcanoesPeaks near Middle Sister
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Middle Sister?
Middle Sister is 10,047 feet (3,062 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Oregon.
How hard is it to climb Middle Sister?
The Via Pole Creek Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 5,052 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Middle Sister?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Via Pole Creek Trail, covering 16 miles with 5,052 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Middle Sister dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Middle Sister?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Via Pole Creek Trail for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
What time should you start climbing Middle Sister?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Middle Sister?
The usual climbing window is May to July. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Middle Sister?
The Via Pole Creek Trail starts at about 5,310 feet, roughly 4,737 feet below the summit.
Climb Middle Sister with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list