"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
This is a tough hike! The trail from Devil's Lake campground the the summit fo South Sister immediately crosses the Cascade Lakes Highway and then dives into forest, switchbacking up between Devil's Hill and Kaleetan Butte.
After travelling north through the woods for about a mile and a half, the trail comes to a broad, sandy plain with stands of dwarfed trees, gnarled by wind and weather. If the initial hill leaves you gasping for breath, investigate Morain Lake, marked by signposts and visible from the main summit trail. Otherwise, continue on top of a ridge above Moraine Lake and, leaving the ease of level ground, begin to climb in earnest. Look up occasionally; it is difficult not to keep your eyes glued to the ground in front of you, but the trail is so crowded that hikers need to be paying attention so as not to run into each other on the steep rock and scree of the trail. (Don't come here for solitude--come here for astounding views!)
The trail ascends at a nearly hand over hand grade, slowing progress to a crawl for all but the superhuman. The last two miles of the 5 1/2 miles to the summit take nearly two thirds of the time. Take it slow, be careful not to slip, and watch the red, hulking summit loom larger and larger in fornt of you.
After what seems like an eternity of lung busting climbing, the trail emerges on the rim of a broad, snowy crater. Winds whip by at 50 to 60 miles an hour (I'm not kidding--DO NOT get too close to the edge!!!) and views can be had from Mt Adams in the north to Mt McGlaughlin in the south. Look for Bend, Sisters, Redmond, and the Ochoco Mountains to the east.
The rangers recommend that hikers stay away from the western edge of the summit--the edge is sheer, there is no real trail, and the terrain is rough. But look for Teardrop Pool, an emerald jewel in the snow. This hike will take all day--8 to 10 hours--so be sure to get an early start, and bring lots of food and water.
I highly recommend this trail--it's a superhighway for hikers, crowded and dusty, but the adventure of standing on top of the world is well worth the effort.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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