While I agree that it is a great place to climb all Summer long, Middle Sister offers two very different mountains depending on the time of the season. I've climbed in the Sisters area in May and in August and hope everyone is perfectly clear that scree happens as the season wears on. I know it makes the mountain more accessible but I recommend an earlier, snowier, less-dusty climb in late Spring or early Summer. Plus you get the real Alpine feeling if you still have the snow under your feet.
If you go in May, be ready for wind and freezing cold (we had 19 degrees at camp in the trees) and a total snow, alpine experience. On the other hand, I went in August last year and never even set foot on snow the whole way! Two totally different mountains. But if you consider yourself an alpine climber go early. If you are a hiker who wants to bag a summit, go later in the season.
This page shows that "Iron Ranger" is located at FS Road15. I didn't see it. Instead, I found Ranger Station at Sister town before entering into the Forest Road.
Noah (Oregon) - Sep 12, 2002 3:24 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentWhile I agree that it is a great place to climb all Summer long, Middle Sister offers two very different mountains depending on the time of the season. I've climbed in the Sisters area in May and in August and hope everyone is perfectly clear that scree happens as the season wears on. I know it makes the mountain more accessible but I recommend an earlier, snowier, less-dusty climb in late Spring or early Summer. Plus you get the real Alpine feeling if you still have the snow under your feet.
Noah (Oregon) - May 22, 2003 2:29 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentIf you go in May, be ready for wind and freezing cold (we had 19 degrees at camp in the trees) and a total snow, alpine experience. On the other hand, I went in August last year and never even set foot on snow the whole way! Two totally different mountains. But if you consider yourself an alpine climber go early. If you are a hiker who wants to bag a summit, go later in the season.
Jeremy517 - Jun 27, 2013 12:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Obsidian permitsObsidian entry permits are now available through http://www.recreation.gov rather than through the ranger station.
tomoko - Aug 9, 2016 1:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Ranger Station near Middle SisterThis page shows that "Iron Ranger" is located at FS Road15. I didn't see it. Instead, I found Ranger Station at Sister town before entering into the Forest Road.
jbheck - Jul 10, 2019 7:01 am - Hasn't voted
Recent Middle Sister, Oregon ClimbsPlanning on climbing this gal on July 20. Anyone been up in the last week or two?
mattcookoregon - Aug 19, 2019 10:26 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Recent Middle Sister, Oregon ClimbsNah, howd it go?!
mattcookoregon - Aug 19, 2019 10:27 am - Hasn't voted
Great camp and climb spotLove this area. Final part is def loose rock and dangerous. Here is a video showing the summit process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16bO4D2MD9k