Three Sisters Loop (Backpacking)

One of Oregon’s greatest long backpacking trips, this route completely circles the Three Sisters, providing ever-changing views of these beautiful siblings. It also visits lesser-known family members (Little Brother, The Husband, and The Wife)—and craggy Broken Top, an apparent outcast, without family ties. The basic loop is unsurpassed, and countless side trips visit even more lakes, high meadows, and viewpoints. A hiker could spend weeks here and never tire of the scenery or run out of places to explore. So get your permit and savor this area. Volcanic features dominate the landscape. In addition to rugged lava flows, cinder cones, and glasslike obsidian, you’ll also see pumice meadows. Formed when enormous quantities of pumice bury an area, these meadows have sparse vegetation and no surface water. Examples of this geologic oddity include Racetrack Meadows and Wickiup Plain.