Three Sisters Loop
~4 days · 43.6 mi · strenuous · Loop
Quick facts
What the Three Sisters Loop is known for
Circumnavigates South, Middle and North Sister in Oregon's Three Sisters Wilderness, a loop of roughly 46-50 published miles combining the PCT with connector trails past lava flows, alpine meadows and the Obsidian area. Most parties take 3-5 days; overnight entry requires a Central Cascades Wilderness permit. The mapped loop reads shorter than the published mileage.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 17,480 ft to 23,025 ft over 43.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 19.1 mi · 44%
- Downhill 21.2 mi · 49%
- Flat 2.7 mi · 6%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Three Sisters Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Three Sisters Loop scores 21/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Three Sisters Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Three Sisters Loop in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 43.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Three Sisters Loop?
The Three Sisters Loop climbs roughly 6,496 ft total — about 149 ft per mile, topping out near 7,021 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.