Besides your machine and a way to haul it, you need two key things for a great day in the backcountry. Snow and terrain. Sisters has both in abundance. And no matter your experience level, you’ll get a high-octane charge on our nearby trails and parks. And after a fun-packed day on your sled, Sisters is just the place to celebrate your adventure.
Where to go:
Upper and Lower Three Creek Sno-Park in the Deschutes National Forest is first choice for visitors from the east. Miles and miles of trails through ponderosa forests that will take you all the way to Three Creek Lake and the Tam McArthur Rim. In fact, if you’re so inclined, you can ride on marked trails all the way to Dutchman, Wanoga, and Edison Sno-Parks in Bend.
You won’t need to. There are so many loops and connector trails with all the elevation you like, about 2,500 feet from bottom to top. Zip around buttes or go ridge riding. Head up to Moon Mountain or the spectacular viewpoint at Triangle Hill. Catch no less than seven iconic peaks.
Just head out South Elm Street from downtown about 15 minutes and pick one of two staging areas with toilets. Lower Three Creek (4,800 feet), is primarily overflow for Upper (5,200 feet) and on some weekends both are thrilling rides.
Ray Benson Sno-Park is just as popular, especially with riders from the Valley or traveling from the west. It has two restrooms and three warming huts. It’s also popular with dog sledders, so expect an occasional howl.
Benson, primarily in the Willamette National Forest, extends into the Deschutes, letting you get within a few miles of Sisters. While the principal staging area is due west of town by only 15 minutes on Highway 20 at Santiam Pass, where the Pacific Crest Trail passes, you can get on only five miles west of Sisters on Highway 242, the historic McKenzie Highway. This is kind of like the secret fishing hole.
There are myriad well-marked trails with to-die-for views of Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, Hoodoo Butte, and Faith, Hope and Charity — the majestic Three Sisters.
Both parks show up on various high-definition maps. Both require a Sno-Park permit, available in Sisters at the Ranger Station or Bi-Mart. Benson borders two wilderness areas, so be careful to stay within boundaries.
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