Backpacking South Sister 2013

It was a bright and early morning on August 3rd. Wake up around 5:30 to load the truck and head off to pick up my hiking partner Katie. After the short ride to pick her up we were off to eastern Oregon to hike Oregon's 3rd highest peak South Sister. The hike began around 10, and boy was it a long hike. Starting in some beautiful forest that wound along Mountain river the trail was a magnificent hike. When we emerged from the forest we came upon Moraine Lake and if you look at the photos is an awesome place to camp. So to lighten our load for the Summit hike we claimed a spot overlooking the lake and pitched camp. After a short break we began on another leg of the journey. The first half was mostly flat and lightly forested. Then we began the real ascent that was moderate and somewhat rock to reach two separate false summits with the larger one opening up into a glacier lake around 8000 ft elevation. Leaving us the one of the most arduous miles I have ever hiked. This was made up of small lava rock so every two steps forwards were one step backwards. Tiring, but well worth the views from the top. Not to mention the top had a giant glacier that filled the caldera. After spending some time at the top we left the summit to complete our hike I believe ended up being around 13 miles that day total. Once back to camp it was time to eat, hydrate, and take in the view of the mountain we had vanquished. By then I was so exhausted it was a journey just to go the 200 yards to the lake to cool off. Now around 9 pm it was to bed I went. Almost as soon as I was starting to fall asleep some of the strongest winds I have ever tried to camp in blew off the mountain. This went on for easily the next 3 hours till around midnight. Once I woke up it was time to enjoy our great views and eat. Packing up camp next and making for my truck we left the beautiful country and headed for my truck and then back to civilization. 8/3-8/4/2013
 
Likability 10/10 One of the best day hikes you could do in Oregon, or you could enjoy it even more as I did by spending the night there.