REACHING THE TOP OF MIDDLE SISTER
by Anibal Rocheta
M
iddle Sister is the fifth highest point in Oregon, offering a variety of trails and stunning views of the central Oregon Cascades, near Bend. While the North Ridge across Hayden Glacier is not a technically difficult route, it can be a long day, and everyone in the group should be fit and rested.
The Good
■ Connect with wonderful people in the mountain environment. ■ Test your physical and mental abilities. ■ The approach to the mountain is relatively accessible.
The Bad ■ Anyone who is going to climb must be in good physical condition. ■ No pets allowed. ■ There is no water at the trailhead.
The Route Our route started at 5,300 feet, from the Pole Creek trail begining at 11:30 a.m. on Friday July 14. This was an official
Mazama climb, so we agreed to meet the leader and part of the team at that point. As we started the walk along a path of rocks and almost bare trees, the sun was a bit suffocating. In the first hour of walking we decided to stop at a small stream to take a break, and continue to the base camp at Hayden Glacier. The following day we got up around 5 a.m. to start the ascent of the glacier. We divided ourselves into teams of four people, with climbing equipment. The terrain sloped at about 30 degrees. It is highly recommended that if you decide to take this route, although it is not technical, you must be in good physical condition. Always remember to be honest with yourself, if you haven't trained enough, it's better to leave it for a later opportunity, since you would put the rest of the team at risk.
continued on next page MAY/JUNE 2022 25
