Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,500.00 ft (457.20 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.60 mi (7.40 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Moraine Lake sits nearly half way up the South Sister and is a perfect goal for a day hike into the Three Sisters Wilderness.  The lake lies at the base of the Lewis Glacier moraine. Like many alpine lakes, Moraine Lake stays frozen for several months a year.  The trail to the lake can also be packed with snow as late as August, especially in the areas shaded by mountain hemlock.

At 1.5 miles you'll reach an intersection that is an ideal break spot.  Turn right to head toward Moraine Lake or continue straight to climb an additional 200 feet for the view above the lake.  From this vantage point you will have an impressive view of Moraine Lake and Broken Top to the east, the entire Cascade Lakes region, and views as far south as Diamond Peak and Mount Thielsen.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Vistas of Three Sisters Wilderness. Backcountry campsites.

Cons

Heavily used area.

Trailhead Elevation

5,480.00 ft (1,670.30 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Old-growth forest

Location

Comments

09/09/2008
A very picturesque lake in the middle of these Wickiup Plains.
07/16/2016
I've hiked up to this lake twice in the month of July and was snowed on both times. I also did this hike about 15yrs ago in August with perfect weather and the views are breathtaking.
07/15/2014
Hiked this area over a couple of days. While I've visited before when it was crowded, I've been spared when I've gone during the week, even in the middle of summer.
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