Backpack the Obsidian Area

The Obsidian area is at least six miles from the closest trail head and 1800 feet of elevation gain. The best way to see the area is to plan a multi-day backpacking adventure. It is limited entry which is strictly enforced by the Forest Service. Only 30 day hikers and 40 overnight hikers are allowed in the on a first come first served basis. Follow the resource link at the bottom of the post for details on permits.

The area is accessible from both the Scott and the Frog Camp trailheads on Hwy 242 in central Oregon. The trail is generally well graded and heads deep into the Three Sisters wilderness, starting in a lodgepole forest and transitioning between Lava areas and meadows as you climb. Upon approaching the glimmering cliffs of The Obsidian Area you'll come to the PCT and Obsidian Falls. Here you can take a left to get to the plateau where the main attractions lie.

Camp spots abound well away from Sisters Spring and Obsidian falls, many are located to the left of the waterfall tucked away in the trees and several others are available if you search the hills around the area. Almost every camp site has a great view of the surrounding cascades with close up views of the Three Sisters dramatically rising in front of you. If you find your over the plateau past the primary camping spots you can get to the edge of the Obsidian Cliff area which drops off steeply below you and offers an amazing vista and several distance peaks.

Sisters Spring bursts forth from the base of the North Sister near your entrance to the plateau about the waterfall. The crystal clear, cool water is very refreshing. Taking a day to explore the area is highly recommended. Wilderness Disc Golf (Wildernessdiscgolf.com) is a great activity with a bunch of variability and great scenery to enhance play. Visitors can actually climb on, sit around and pick up pieces of Obsidian glass large and small to get an up close, hands on experience.

Those that are adventurous can also head up towards the North and Middle sister from this location. With the close proximity to the Middle Sister climbers can get high up on the mountain side and with map or GPS possibly find summit trails to the top. On previous visits we have had much better success with Middle Sister summit trips from the opposite side, however.

When leaving backpackers can continue the loop trail which continues through the area and meets a trail junction at Sunshine. A popular and idyllic alpine wonderland of the Oregon Cascades there is a beautiful meadow and stream at this historic cabin site. From here a left takes you back down towards your car.

Bonus Trips:
Access to the area is also available from the Scott trailhead. This is a longer trip and can be part of a bigger loop trail as well. This trail passes directly by Four-in-one cone, near Yapoah Crater and directly next to Collier Cone. Each of these can be great to climb and explore if you have time. With enough time, this route also offers an oasis at Minnie Scott Spring should adventurers like to split the trip into several days and different campsites.

Directions: Hwy 242 to between mileposts 70 and 71, looking for Obsidian (Frog Camp) Trail head or Scott Trail.

Forest Service Link: fs.usda.gov