Three Sisters Traverse

Dogs Off-leash

Features Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

There are no established campsites along this route but there are a few flat, exposed places beside the Chambers Lakes. There are good campsites at Camp Lake and a few places to camp where this route meets the PCT. But water that is flowing higher in Separation Creek may not make it down to the PCT, so fill-up as you descend along the creek or hike up along the creek to find flowing water. Reese Lake, the pond along the PCT just north of Separation Creek, usually has water in it but be sure to treat it well before drinking any.

This well worn use trail connects Camp Lake (Lake 6952) on the east side of the Cascade Crest with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Separation Creek on the west side of the crest. Along the way it passes the Chambers Lakes, while giving impressive (and unique) views of Middle and South Sister. The terrain through here is multi-colored moonscape of volcanic rocks, with blue lakes, white patches of lingering snow, and few trees.

From the east, the trail starts from the end of the Camp Lake Trail at Camp Lake and climbs a bright red cinder slope to the Cascade Crest. It then descends a bit and passes along the south sides of the Chambers Lakes before crossing another low divide. From there it descends to Separation Creek and follows along the south side of the creek to the PCT.

From the west, where this trail leaves the PCT may be a little hard to find once the meadow it starts in fills with summer vegetation. Just start east along the south side of Separation Creek and you'll soon connect with it.