Outdoor Recreation in Sisters, Oregon
Step into our Outdoor Sanctuary
Amidst the Cascade Mountains, Sisters blooms with outdoor adventure. Explore rugged trails, fish in tranquil waters and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of nature. Whether seeking thrills or serenity, Sisters welcomes you to embrace the wonders of the season.
We Like Bikes
If you like biking, you’re going to love Sisters. We have not just one, but two shops, Blazin’ Saddles and Eurosports, so you can absolutely rent or buy a bike when you get here. They’ll have have great tips for their favorite local rides. Here are a few great trails to check out:
Mountain – Peterson Ridge Trail – Forget the car, you can ride to this trailhead right from town. The trail system features a 14.8 mile loop with some elevation, so it’s challenging but not too overly so. Great for hiking, too, and dogs are welcome on leash!
Gravel – Sisters Classic Gravel Loop – If you’re up for a longer, more rigorous ride, this 26 mile loop is a mix of gravel and paved roads with some great views.
Road – Two stunning Oregon Scenic Bikeways gift cyclists with a bucket list of stellar Central Oregon views.
The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway is a stunner–but not for the faint of heart. You’ll have an easy 8 mile warm up from downtown, then start a steep, 5 mile climb. But the rewards are great, including views of Mt. Washington and a 2000 year old lava flow at the Dee Wright Observatory, followed by a 25 mile descent through dense Cascade forest down to the McKenzie River.
Sisters to Smith Rock offers a more moderate 37 mile ride but with just as much dynamic scenery. You’ll hug the Deschutes River, spy the Cascade Mountains and see the majesty and variety of the High Desert before ending your ride at Smith Rock. There are absolutely some hills, but it’s more downhill than up from Sisters.
Get Geared Up
Despite our relatively small size, Sisters boasts a bounty of outfitters for your adventures.
If you’re heading to Hoodoo or a sno-park, head to Hillside Ski & Sport first. They have an extensive selection of skis and snowboards to buy or rent.
Hikers and backpackers should make a beeline to Hike-N-Peak, whether you’re looking to take on the Pacific Crest Trail or just an afternoon on the trails. They offer the top adventure gear brands as well as rentals.
The family-owned Blazin’ Saddles is a full-service bike shop featuring sales, rentals and perhaps most crucial, repairs. Their staff is super knowledgeable and pride themselves on great customer service.
Eurosports offers a wide variety of analog and e-bikes as well as rentals, repairs and free group rides. They offer beers on tap, host a trivia night and have some of the best food carts in Sisters.
If you’re looking to get into or get the insider information on the best fly fishing the Fly Fisher’s Place offers guided trips on nearby rivers and lakes like the Metolius, along with one of best trout fly selections in Oregon as well as a great selection of saltwater flies.
Hikes of all Shapes & Sizes
When a town is named after three mountains you can rest assured amazing hiking is all around. Hey wait a minute, that describes us! One of the many reasons locals love living here is access to awesome hikes. Here are a few our favorites.
Whychus Creek Overlook – This short, easy hike, just five miles from downtown Sisters, is great for hikers of all ages and abilities. The out and back South Trail is a a little easier, while the slightly longer North Trail offers a few extra vistas.
Metolius River Trail, Wizard Falls – This 7.2 mile out and back trail is flat, shady and easy, making it a great option for families. Especially as it includes the Wizard Falls and fish hatchery which kids and kids at heart will love exploring.
Sahalie Falls & Koosah Falls Trail – This 2.4 mile loop connects two must-visit waterfalls and hugs the McKenzie River. The hike is moderately challenging but both falls have parking and are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
South Sister Trail is the big kahuna! For experienced hikers only, this adventure in the Three Sisters Wilderness is 11.6 miles out and back and features almost 5,000 feet of elevation and the other worldly views that come with it. Plan head! Ideal climbing is June through October and permits are needed for overnight camping and some trailheads. Here’s a great overview of different ways to experience the Three Sisters.
Let’s Get Wet
Central Oregon is teeming with majestic lakes and rivers which makes Sisters a great home base for fun on the water in summer, spring and fall.
Suttle Lake is just down the road and is picture perfect with deep, clear water bound in by conifier forest. You can bring your own motorized or non-motorized boat or rent kayaks, paddle boards or canoes from the Suttle Lake Lodge. Be sure to end the day on their deck with a drink and enjoy the view from an Adirondack chair.
Anglers will want to head to Three Creek Lake, offering fishing surrounded by old growth forest. Only non-motorized boats are allowed, adding the sense of serenity. Swimming is also an option in summer and there are two nearby sno-parks for winter fun.
The reason Central Oregon is synonymous with legendary fly fishing is thanks to the Metolius River. With crystal clear water, it’s the perfect place to hone your expertise. Best known for rainbow, brown and massive Bull trout, over a dozen species can be fished through the season. No commercial guides allowed, but stop in to the Fly Fisher’s Place for advice, gear or to a book a guided trip on one of the many other rivers in the area.
Paddle Away
