On October 4 I hiked up South Sister, the “ultra prominence” peak behind our house in Bend. South Sister is the third highest peak in Oregon with 10358 feet of elevation. It is the fourth most prominent peak in Oregon with 5588 feet of topographic prominence. The climb is a straightforward but scenic hike and was a well-needed workout for me.
South Sister from the climbers trail
South Sister from below the Lewis Glacier
Fresh snow covered much of the trail above 7000 feet. In the morning the snow was mostly firm, but even when it thawed in the afternoon it was not deep. Good boots helped with footing. I met a few people on the route but it was a mostly solitary hike without the crowds one often encounters during the summer.
The South Sister summit crater
I observed a large plume of smoke from a prescribed fire beyond Mount Bachelor to the southeast but in other directions the visibility was very good. Some cumulus clouds built up in the afternoon without incident.
The High Cascade peaks line up to the north of the South Sister summit
I enjoyed spending the day revisiting the mountain that I first climbed 41 years ago and viewing the many peaks I have shared with good friends over the decades. I am glad to have such a resource so close to my home.
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