Going on the run

Photo by Jim Williams

By Charlie Kanzig

"I live right in town and I love the proximity of trails," says local ultra-marathoner Sean Meissner. "I can literally run a different route within minutes of downtown Sisters every day of the week, and the opportunities are truly limitless if I drive even 15 minutes to a trailhead or dirt road."

For a guy who might cover 30-plus miles on a training run, that's quite a testament. Even if you're not putting in mega miles, trail running can keep you
running longer and with more enjoyment.

Favorite runs in the area:

• The Peterson Ridge Trail system is the most well-marked, user-friendly of the local trails and the trailhead is conveniently located just on the edge of the city limits and the intersection of Elm Street (Three Creek Road) and Tyee. This system includes numerous loops, so distances are varied, as is the terrain, so whether you are training for a 5k or a marathon, Peterson Ridge can meet your running needs. 

• Another trail starts out just off north Pine Street where the pavement ends. To get there turn north on Pine Street (at the Sno Cap Drive In). A trail kiosk marks the start of this flat section of trail that goes all the way to Indian Ford Campground, six miles away.

• The Windigo Trail is a multiple-use trail that is a favorite for horseback riders, but offers a lot to runners as well. There are many places to join an intersection including Sisters Cow Camp, Graham Corral and Cold Springs Campground.  Summer weekends could mean sharing the trail with horses.

• The Suttle Lake Tie Trail starts at George McAllister Road, which is located on the south side of Highway 20 across from the road leading to Camp Sherman. This well-marked trail winds its way up to Suttle Lake. Runners have been known to run up, jump in the lake, dry off a bit and run back down, making about a 10-mile round trip. The Lodge at Suttle Lake provides a fine breakfast spot for those who desire to run one way from the bottom or go round-trip from the top.

The McKenzie Highway, Edgington Road, Three Creek Road course provides a combination of asphalt and gravel surface. Start at the Village Green on Elm Street and run north to Hood Avenue. Turn left and follow Hood to the McKenzie Highway. After a mile turn left on Edgington Road (gravel). Just after the turn look left and catch a dirt trail that parallels the wire fence of Patterson Ranch. This trail pops out on the Brooks-Scanlon Road (gravel) where you turn left and run due east to Three Creek Road. Turn left and head back into town straight back to the Village Green Park.

Trails along the Metolius River make for refreshing runs either as out-and-backs or loops. You can depart downstream right across from the Camp Sherman Store. Black Butte Ranch guests can enjoy the resort's bike trails, along with dirt roads and trails around the perimeter. Visit www.sisterstrails.com for maps.