50@50 – Sisters 2, The Lakes, OR
In Central Oregon, ancient and dormant volcanoes dominate the horizon, and the churning rivers created in the troughs are the arteries of this dry climate.
Another set of great hikes lie in the mountainous namesake of the town of Sisters. The Three Sisters Wilderness boasts dozens of interlocking hikes with varying lengths and difficulty. West of Mount Bachelor likes the trailhead to Green Lakes. Following Falls Creek (aptly named), the forested path opens up and passes along a stunning hill of obsidian debris, so shiny it almost looks hand polished.
The fall color of water plants and forest bushes splashed our path with vibrant shades of yellow, red and purple. After about 4 ½ miles, and a fairly easy 1100 foot elevation climb, the lake appears with snow capped South Sister to the left and Broken Top to the right. Bring a blanket for a picnic lunch. The area surrounding the lake is rocky with little vegetation, making it both austere and contemplative. Only two hours away from the road, and yet two thousand years back in time.