The South Side climbing (well, hiking) route of South Sister, as seen from just past the halfway point of the trail.  The route starts at Devils Lake at 5,475 feet above sea level, crosses the Cascade Lakes Highway and winds through old-growth forest before reaching a relatively treeless plain at 6,700 feet.  From there, the trail becomes increasingly difficult - steep and covered in loose rock and scree - until it reaches the summit crater at 10,200 feet.  Then the trail circles halfway around the summit crater to the 10,358-foot summit on the North Side of the crater.  The summit provides spectacular views of Middle and North Sister, Broken Top, Mount Bachelor and - weather permitting - Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood and even Mount Adams. Photo shot on the descent - it was dark during the ascent!   August 11, 2001 Close Window