Getting There
From Bend, take US-20 to Sisters, OR. The turnoff is a little convoluted by look for signs to Old McKenzie Hwy (OR-242). Follow this west for about 11 miles. The Black Crater Trailhead is on the left.
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So this is my second time at this trailhead. Last year, I stopped here on my way home but ended up bailing on this hike and finding another trail, Blue Pool.
The weather had not been summer-like as I'd enjoyed the past couple of years. My intended climb of Broken Top was thwarted by any early snow at Green Lakes. Then, I had a series of complications on the way there: InReach was not charged and I had to find a cable at a gas station. I also had some tummy issues and found the restrooms at Dee Wright were closed for the season.
I'd stayed an extra night since the Three Sisters area was shrouded in storm clouds all day, as I could see from Smith Rock. The weather was perfect, clear & sunny. I did take my time getting there but the drive from Bend to Sisters was great. I stopped to fuel up and grab some electrolytes and snacks.
I drove up the main drag and looked for a coffee shop. I caught a glimpse of Sisters Coffee a block south. I found a parking spot right in front and got out. The line was crazy long, spilling outside onto the porch. I saw the line split into two braids. I didn't need coffee but it sounded good. I capitulated and left. I almost gave up but pulled out my phone and found another spot nearby, a drive thru.
Soon I was off to the trailhead. I was still unsure of the conditions on the ground. The sky was clear but I wondered if the route was covered in snow. I had the gear but it was still apprehensive. I said to myself that I'd go if there was at least one car in the parking lot. The year before I was the only one.
To my surprise, the parking lot was nearly full of cars. This filled me with confidence. I got my stuff together and watched another group start up the trail. I followed them after I filled out my self-issued permit.
The Hike
The first part of the hike is in a burn area, gray-white trunks of dead trees. The views of Belknap and Mt Washington were there through the lattice of limbless trees. When I considered this hike, I imagined it was a corkscrew up a cinder cone. I was wrong.
After the section through the burnt forest, the trail curves closers to the main edifice of the mountain-crater and into live trees. The trail climbs steeply through this area.
There were several hikers coming down the trail and I seemed to be the only one going up.
I remember getting a "Storm Warning" on my watch and seeing a big, white cloud behind the crater. The sky on "my" side was great but I was worried, the summit was going to be cloud-covered, the storm drifting north from TSW.
It wasn't a deterrent and I tried to hurry my pace a little.
The trail winds around to the east side of the mountain-crater. The trees thin out a bit, allowing views through them and to the surrounding forest and possibly even Tam McArthur Rim, and lots of sunlight.
There are a few switchbacks and I thought I could see the ridge where I was headed. I passed a few more people on this upper section, all leaving. Would I have the summit-crater to myself? I was glad to have seen other hikers but relished the idea of having some solitude. What a way to end a great week of hiking and exploring Central Oregon, some new hikes/travels and a couple I'd tackled before.
I found little patches of snow in the trees and shade but there were not huge fields to traverse. Apparently, this high point was largely spared from the storm the day before. Whew!
I finally reached the final approach. There was nothing but blue sky above. I still wasn't sure if there would be a ridge to walk along or what. I got to a lava bed and the trail crossed to the actual crater. Even if there had been other people, there was ample room to spread out for nearly 360 deg views.
The actual crater was awesome a little amphitheater of rock. I could see the Belknap Crater, Mt Washington, Three Finger Jack, Mt Jefferson to the west/northwest. To the southeast were Three Sisters (North, Middle, and South somewhere behind the cloud cover). The grove of dead trees on the summit provided an interesting foreground and perspective.
Back at the crater, I ditched my pack and climbed around a little and felt more comfortable than the day before at Smith Rock. It restored a little confidence in my rock climbing ability, which is very limited. I really need to get some formal training as I have always been pretty competent scrambling around.
I thought about having lunch but also considered my journey home. I felt accomplished to have completed this last hike. It was one of my main objectives and had nearly had to skip it due to weather. I was supposed to have been "saving" my legs earlier in the week but ended up hiking every day except my first travel day from Portland. I was pleased that my long hike at Smith Rock had not become a hindrance for this hike.
I really enjoyed my descent. I passed a few more hikers on their way up. I made sure to pause and enjoy the views. Why put forth all this effort and not stop to smell the wildflowers?
Back at the car, I changed into my travel clothes and had part of my sandwich. The coffee cake was so good as well. It was time to start heading home.
Here are a couple photos of Black Crater from the Dee Wright Observatory.
