Obsidian Trail Summer Oregon Hike

Our hike was in the Obsidian Limited Entry Area of the Three Sisters Wilderness, we made sure to secure our hiking permits beforehand. This hike is 11 miles with about 1,800 ft of elevation gain.
We began our hike with the Obsidian Trail. The trail starts in the woods, it was nice to have shade on a hot summer day.

We enjoyed the variety of wildflowers along the way, including the bear grass in bloom.

















After three miles of hiking and 1,050 ft of elevation gain, the trail crosses a lava field. We saw the Obsidian Cliffs to the south, the trail would soon take us hiking above these cliffs.












As the trail continued over the lava field, we caught a view of North Sister.

And as the trail climbed, we also saw Middle Sister to the right of North Sister.

It was amazing to see this new tree growing right out of the rock.

At the end of this lava flow, we reached theWhite Branch Creek and a beautiful filed of wildflowers.

Across this meadow, 3.6 miles from the trailhead, the trail splits. The left trail, Glacier way joins the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) in 0.7 miles. The trail straight ahead is the continuation of the Obsidian Trail going almost 2 miles to join the PCT further south near Obsidian Falls. We choose to continue on the Obsidian Trail.








As the Obsidian Trail goes over the Obsidian Cliffs, the trail is covered with obsidian, sparkling in the sunlight.

The trail goes through a mixture of forest and fields, giving us glimpses of Middle Sister.

5.5 miles from the trailhead, the Obsidian Trail joins the PCT,













About 0.1 mile north on the PCT, there is a short spur leading to Obsidian Falls, the perfect spot for a lunch break.
















Near the falls, we saw this large obsidian boulder, sparkling in the dappled sunlight.

We continued hiking north on the PCT, entering the Sunshine Meadows near Glacier Creek

We crossed a couple of snow fields, saw younger hikers swimming in one of the tarns.

The Sunshine Meadows are a beautiful mixture of obsidian and wildflowers.

To the west, we had a fabulous view to the northwest of Mt Washington, Three Fingered Jack & Mt Jefferson.

About 1.5 miles along the PCT, we turned onto Glacier Way Trail to return to the Obsidian Trail by White Branch Creek, having enjoyed a nice loop over the Obsidian Cliffs and the PCT.










Here are some of the wildflowers and fungus we saw on this hike today: