Backpacking in Three Sisters Wilderness: 28 Miles & South Sister Summit

Ever dreamt of scaling a mountain peak and then soaking in serene alpine lakes? Join us on our awe-inspiring 6-day, 28-mile backpacking adventure through the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon! Our journey began at Pole Creek Trailhead, where we tackled a challenging first day filled with downed trees on the way to our beloved Golden Lake. After a restorative zero day spent swimming and exploring the area, we embarked on shorter hikes to Green Lakes and Moraine Lake, savoring breathtaking vistas and enjoying delicious snacks along the way.
The true highlight arrived on day five, where we endeavored to conquer South Sister, the third tallest peak in Oregon. This ambitious 7.5-mile trek pushed us to our limits as we ascended through scree fields and past Lewis Tarn, ultimately reaching the summit with its incredible views and the highest lake in Oregon, Teardrop Pool. Though originally planned as a loop hike, we opted to descend the next day due to fatigue and a long term injury.
Our final day involved a leisurely morning at camp before tackling the final miles back to the Devil's Lake Trailhead, where we were greeted by a friendly face and a ride home. This unforgettable adventure left us brimming with gratitude for the beauty and challenges of the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Hike Dates: July 22-27, 2023.
Special thanks to Laura for be an ever constant companion, and to Abby for hiking in a super heavy re-supply only for us to hike out the next day!
#threesisterswilderness #oregonbackpacking #southsistersummit #backpackingadventure #pacificnorthwest #hikingtrip #silenthiking
Day 1 (July 22, 2023): Pole Creek Trailhead to Golden Lake (8.15 miles, 1836 ft elevation gain) - Overcame challenges with downed trees.
Day 2 (July 23, 2023): Golden Lake Zero Day (1.94 miles, 532 ft elevation gain) - Relaxed, swam in Golden Lake, and hiked to Golden Ponds for stunning views.
Day 3 (July 24, 2023): Golden Lake to Green Lakes (3.13 miles, 539 ft elevation gain) - Shorter hike, enjoyed scenic views and snacks.
Day 4 (July 25, 2023): Green Lakes to Moraine Lake (4.33 miles, 692 ft elevation gain) - Less distance, but felt tired due to previous exertion.
Day 5 (July 26, 2023): Moraine Lake to South Sister Summit & Back (7.63 miles, 4164 ft elevation gain) - Conquered the challenging climb, enjoyed Teardrop Pool and the summit views. Descended back to Moraine Lake.
Day 6 (July 27, 2023): Moraine Lake to Devil's Lake Trailhead (2.83 miles, 365 ft elevation gain) - Leisurely morning, final hike out, met a friend for a ride home.
0:00 Pole Creek Trailhead to Golden Lake
1:20 Golden Lake & Golden Ponds
2:52 Golden Lake to Green Lakes
4:07 Green Lakes to Moraine Lake
5:37 South Sister Summit Day
6:60 Hike Out to Devil's Lake Trailhead
7:45 Outtakes

[@Zoomdak]

Have you hiked in the Three Sisters Wilderness?

[@J3Aventures]

I have! we were there last November and lost my GoPro in South Sister 😞 under 2' of snow and couldn't find it. Oh well, beautiful place thou!

[@brisketchick]

Only a tiny portion late last summer when I hiked a single overnight at Erma Bell Lakes. It was mild when I was there, but I believe they had snow the following weekend. It was a beautiful hike!

[@OSMOneStepMore]

Nothing is more relaxing than a good, relaxing hike. We wish you sunny trails! The scenery is stunning!!👏

[@williamscriv]

Beautifully done -- practically an epic! And the outtakes are a hoot! 🥇

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much, was a wonderful experience!

[@RASHMITHEONE]

Great hike video, keep sharing! 😊.

[@Zoomdak]

Will do, thanks for watching!

[@ervinslens]

One of your best episodes, brilliant editing! Brilliant! Views, storytelling, atmosphere everything fits so perfectly!

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much friend, really appreciate it!

[@ja1creative]

Beautiful scenery. So many great shots.

[@Zoomdak]

Many thanks!

[@relaxingvideosnorthwest3646]

Beautiful!

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much!

[@discover-montenegro]

Great hike friend ! Interesting how build connections and memories with nature, indeed there is some serenity to the area. Thank you for taking us along 🥰

[@Zoomdak]

So true! Thanks for your kind words!

[@aliveintime]

Beautiful

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much!

[@oliverkillian]

Beautiful hike from start to finish my friend! Look forward to the next one

[@Zoomdak]

Thank you, missed publishing this week but to hope to catch it next week!

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Amazing views. Great video. Thanks for sharing. 👍25

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks for your support!

[@SavvyExploring]

Wow, i just love those little blue pools in the snow up on the mountain.

[@Zoomdak]

Truly, a remarkable sight!

[@GhostHorror-ik5sd]

Adventures in natural places are truly impressive and fresh, greetings new friends

[@Zoomdak]

Thank you, appreciate your kind words and support!

[@CraigKoppel]

Looks like some of those trees have seen better days. This was beautiful, and I don’t just mean the scenery. I’m talking about the way you filmed it. Absolutely Wonderful. I will often study films made by others for ideas to help make my filming better. This is one of those films. 👍

[@Zoomdak]

That is a huge compliment thank you. I do the same thing when I watch other films as well. Appreciate your kind words!

[@imaracorsico]

Congratulations, a fantastic adventure...hello also to Laura and Abby...well done!👍👍👍

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much! Appreciate a fantastic support crew!

[@brisketchick]

I loved this video so much. Beautifully composed and presented. I love the mix of expression through music, but still leaving in the audio from the video footage. I felt like i could see what it might be like to hike that area. So very beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[@Zoomdak]

Thank you! Appreciate your kindness and for following along!

[@davidrobinson7310]

Lovely to watch this video on its May 15th premiere. Beauty, wonder, playfulness, glory in nature, good guidance for all us backpackers to plan our next outing, along with perfectly chosen music as backdrop to an excellent 9 and a half minute video. Watch, Share, Like. Yay Zoomdak!

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Great memories of hiking with you there 4 years ago!

[@northcoastoutdoorchannel]

Stunning footage! This area is where I first started backpacking and brings back a lot of memories. You put in a lot of miles but really enjoyed getting to see all these areas again. Looked like you ended up with some nice weather also and only a bit of smoke. That is a tough end to summit South Sister, but you prevailed haha. The production was fantastic!

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks so much, really a remarkable playground of backpacking. Glad it brought back so many memories for you!

[@waterfallmadman]

Great trip. The lakes are incredibly beautiful. If I tried that at 8:48 I would be in the water. Ha ha.

[@Zoomdak]

Thank you for your kind words! I somehow developed a good sense of balance. Not as good as it used to be but I'm glad to still trust my feet.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi Mr. Zoomdak It was pleasure chatting with you It was very pleasant hike, but something different. Your solo hiking focuses on the beauty of nature vs. This one is about Family, Your core value, Now I see your future with your charming wife, Mrs. Zoomdak I witness another face of your life...I thank YOU. OMGoodness, I totally forgot that you had another guest in your audience...so sorry. Hope to catch next one. Ta-Ta What is your TO GO Camera Lens?

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks for following along on the premiere, really appreciate it. I usually used my 17-40mm lens, but I'm hoping to upgrade to a mirrorless camera this year.

[@ja1creative]

You must have hiked the trail twice to film it.

[@Zoomdak]

Must have been a 56 mile hike for me .