Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'

We have hiked in the Three Sisters Wilderness many times and have always enjoyed our experience.  However, accessing views of Collier Glacier can be a bit of a challenge. Located in the saddle between North and Middle Sister, Collier Glacier views, on the north edge of Collier Cone, are obtained after a seven and a half mile hike from Lava Camp Lake Trailhead through Matthieu Lakes or the Obsidian Trailhead. While only 1/2 mile off the Pacific Crest Trail, to reach the edge of Collier Cone involves a scramble up a steep pumice hill, but once you arrive, the setting is spectacular with the glacial lake and towering vistas of North and Middle Sister and Little Brother.  We hiked this trail 7-15-23 during one of the hottest days of the year. Although we started the hike early, it took almost 8 hours to complete it and much of the trail was exposed to the sun in lava fields or burned forest. However, there were beautiful shaded areas near Matthieu Lakes and our experience was wonderful. We brought a lot of water and enjoyed refilling a water container at Minnie Scott Spring where water can be seen percolating through the small stones. The total hike was over 15 miles and over 2500 feet of elevation gain.

What's in the July 2023 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• Bend Home Sales Reflect Mixed Results
• Iron Mountain Hike 2023
• Today's Housing Market is a Sweet Spot for Sellers
• The Bend Oregon Pet Parade
• The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners

The Obsidian Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness is Available by Permit Only

We have hiked the Obsidian Trail several time over the past few years, but the hike done July 2, 2023 was extra special. Late snow has delayed access to the high Cascades and we found patches of snow on our hike. However, these were easily traversed with trekking poles. The 11.5 mile loop connects with the Pacific Crest Trail for several miles and at the peak of the elevation, hikers walk by and on glaciated obsidian which sparkles in the sunlight. Photos do not properly reflect the actual experience of the glittering rock. The hike also passes through high alpine meadows, which had wildflowers blooming, and several shallow creeks to cross. Obsidian Falls can be a great rest stop, but our favorite lunch spot is in the sun taking in the amazing views of Middle and North Sister as well as Little Brother. All in all, the 11.5 miles gained 2165 feet in elevation and took 5.5 hours of actual walking time. Bring bug spray this time of year as the mosquitos are out.

The 48th annual Sisters Quilt show, celebrated as the world's largest outdoor quilt show, was held last Saturday, July 8th. Quilts could be seen hanging from walls, porches, in windows, on fences and over balconies. It was estimated that over 1300 quilts were displayed throughout the town with over 10,000 visitors from all 50 states as well as some foreign countries. This year's theme was "Hidden Stories" and it was interesting to try to figure out the stories in these beautiful works of art.

Iron Mountain is Known for its Wildflowers

We have hiked Iron Mountain yearly since 2020, with each experience a little different. For those not familiar with Iron Mountain, it is a unique "Special Interest Area" in that it provides for over 300 species of wildflowers in various meadow, forested, and rocky environments. Each year the experience has been different, although our hike is typically done during the same few weeks in late June or early July. This year, our hike on July 1, 2023, was warm and we met many other very friendly people and families enjoying the same experience. The hike itself can be challenging and if hikers follow the route we do (which includes the Cone Peak Trail and portions of the Santiam Wagon Trail) the trek will amount to over 1900 feet of elevation gain and a total of 7 miles. We suggest getting an early start, take your camera, and don't rush the experience of seeing the lovely flowers and stunning mountain views from the summit.

To access the trailhead, travel west from Bend over Santiam Pass to the junction with Hwy 126. Take this until Hwy 20 (towards Sweet Home and Albany) branch off. Travel on Hwy 20 several miles until you reach Tombstone Pass. Park in the parking lot there (bring your forest pass) and start the Cone Peak Trail at this location.