South Sister - 5/16/22

South Sister from Approach

Walking the Peak Ridge of South Sister

Charleston Peak (R) from South Sister Trail

Mule Deer

Due to lack of snow cover in the 10,000' elevations, we were able to climb South Sister early this year. Today's group consisted of the Fearsome Foursome plus Rock Star hiker/leader Tony. We were all still working on our altitude acclimation so the only requirement for the hike was to be slow and fun! We parked at the Pay Phone Trailhead located on Lee Canyon Road just downhill from the traffic circle and hiked up past the pay phone that Mike tried to call with his cell. That didn't work but the phone still has a dial tone to call out for emergencies. As we gradually climbed the pavement of the Old Mill Picnic Area, we looked up the right embankment to see a nice size mule deer. One photo and we were on our way to the rock-lined Old Mill Trail.

Starting out Old Mill Trail

Starting up to the Saddle

Rita deals with the Steep Part

Tony climbs the ridge above the Saddle

Up the Old Mill Trail, we came to the South Sister Trail that forks to the right into a pine clearing. The first part of this trail is very pleasant as it climbs up parallel to the wash through shady growth. About halfway up to the South Sister Saddle, the trail becomes a lot steeper. It's a bugger! Then, we reached the saddle and sat for a breather. The next phase of the approach is the ridge to the right. There is a trail that climbs the left side of this ridge. ... Or, you can just climb up to your liking. At this next saddle, there is an overlook of South Sister and a well-photographed dead tree. Turning to the right again, we began the third phase of the climb. This phase follows the ridge around to the base of the peak.

Lee Peak (L) and Charleston Peak (R)

South Sister from second Saddle

Three Lakes Valley Below

Starting the third Phase of Climb

This phase is a rolling hike up and down along the treed rocky ridge. Views to the right of Lee Peak and Charleston Peak are excellent. Today, there was still some snow on those peaks. Our initial slowness melded into a decent pace through this section as we rested our legs for the final phase of the climb. The rolling ridge dipped down to the base of the final climb up loose dirt and scree. There is a main trail up the scree but sometimes, an alternate trail provides more traction. Again, it is up to your choices as to how you eat this elephant. (And, what an elephant it is!) Mike led up the main trail. I decided to try out the wash side (left side) just to see what it was like. Ugh! 😅

The Fab Five in front of South Sister

Starting Final Approach

Rita climbing the Wash

Gathering at the Peak Scramble

Tony and Rita followed me and I felt I led them astray. The wash is not stable at all and very steep. I ended up zigzagging back over toward to main trail as I neared the top. One by one, we arrived at the top between the two rocky peak outcrops. The higher peak is to the left and another "overlook" peak is to the right. We decided to leave our packs here and make the peak ascent, sign the log book, and return to this spot for our break. The scramble is daunting with a lot of exposure but we all knew what to expect and how to deal with it. Perhaps a few of the photos in this blog will give you an idea. (We thought it might be windy up there.) It wasn't windy but we got our photos of the amazing views and returned to the peaks' mid-point to take a break. One more South Sister under our belts! Anxious to start the very tough descent through the scree, down we went. ... Very slowly. There were no mishaps. Our experience and caution increased our chance of "survival!" We all agree that it is wonderful to be in our 60s and 70s and still doing this stuff!

Hikers captured Working Hard

This one is for Ted.

Peak Scramble Up

South and North Sisters

Down through the third and second phases and we enjoyed a short break at the South Sister Saddle. We re-entered our concentration mode and started down the steep part of the trail below the saddle. We were shifting from the steep part to the very pleasant part when we met up with a wild horse that had been using the trail to come up from the spring below. He veered up the hill when he saw us. We stopped to admire. Then, he made it clear that he would like to be on his way on the trail. We got out of his way and everyone continued in their chosen direction. He was really big!! Beautiful day!

Stats: 5.3 miles; 1950' gain; we were slow but, usually, it takes around 3.5 to 4 hours

McFarland and Bonanza Peaks from South Sister Peak

The "Easy does It" descent through Scree

Pardon me! I'm walking here.