Ricks Saddle Loop - 8/19/24

Outcrop on Ricks Peak from Ricks Saddle

Group of six on trail climb Return (Macks Peak Behind)

The shadows of the South Sister Trail

Waking up on Old Mill Trail

It was time to do the harder version of the Ridge with Many Views! Ricks Saddle is situated below the Ridge with Many Views at the head of Macks Canyon. There is a small peak that rises obscurely above the saddle on a trailing ridge of Macks Peak. According to someone's map, this peak has been named Ricks Peak. Therefore, we named the saddle below the peak, Ricks Saddle. It is a destination that has evidence of wild horses that also frequent the quiet bare area. In the past, our hikers have climbed up Ricks Peak past the limestone outcrop and seen a small herd of elk on the other side. But, most of the time, we stop at the saddle and take a break before returning on the second of the hike's double climb.

Trail along the Wash

Starting the true Ascent

South Sister Saddle in Sight

Taking a rest on South Sister Saddle

Parking at the Pay Phone Trailhead across from the Old Mill Picnic Area, the hike begins up the paved road next to the beautiful recreation spot that is usually quiet. The Old Mill Trail veers off to the right then the South Sister Trail veers off to the right again. The first climb of the hike ends at 1.8 miles into the hike on the South Sister Saddle. After a good climb of around 1000', the saddle is a good place to rest. Our next trail heads off in a 1:30 to 2:00 direction. It is a forested trail that is usually worn and clear for ~0.6 mile delivering the hiker to the top of the Ridge with Many Views. Next, follow the ridge out to the end and turn down to your left. The route drops down to the trees and curves around to the right. Here, there used to be a very vague trail. Now, we found no trail. It was a mess. I recognized landmarks here and there but I cannot recommend this route unless you just like this kind of stuff like I do. Essentially, you keep curving around to the right and dropping down to a ridge point. Cross a wash to your right and head on a trajectory diagonally to what appears to be a saddle in the distance on the left. (Sorry, that's the best I can do. The weather, I guess, has destroyed the route.)

Ralyn rests next to the next Trail

The trail to the Ridge with Many Views

McFarland Peak from Ridge with Many Views

Checking out Ricks Peak Above

We arrived at the saddle and the wind was blowing up a very cool breeze. Finding a windbreak, we sat and ate a snack. When we felt we had our legs back, we turned to find the trail that flows into the saddle and climbs the hill behind us. This climb is quite a good challenge ... especially for being the second climb (800') of the day. This trail is clear. Other hikers most likely use this trail to go both to and from Ricks Saddle. It could also be used to climb South Sister from the Macks Canyon Campground. We gave our valiant effort all the way to the top ... the South Sister Overlook ... which is the end of Phase II of the traditional South Sister Climb.

South Sister Peak rises behind Ricks Saddle

Climbing the trail between Ricks Saddle and
South Sister Overlook

Carol putting in the Work

Approaching South Sister Overlook

It is unnecessary to climb all the way to the top of this overlook area if you veer around to the right and catch the descent trail that many people use to return to the South Sister Saddle. Down to the saddle and a dive down the South Sister Trail to the Old Mill Picnic Area and we were home free. With the two ascents during this hike, it takes a lot out of you. Just reminds you that you are alive!! What a great group of hikers! Great job!

Stats: 5.5 miles; 1875' gain; 4 hours

Descent on South Sister Trail to South Sister Saddle

Starting the descent from South Sister Saddle (Charleston Peak in View)

Bright green aspens at the bottom of South Sister Trail