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Plan In onX Backcountry
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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,200.00 ft (365.76 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.20 mi (8.37 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.
Tyson Gillard

If you want a beautiful place named after you, it doesn't hurt to have a role on the Geographic Names Board, where Lewis "Tam" McArthur was the secretary from 1916-1949. Tam McArthur Rim is an excellent introduction to the less popular portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness that is accessible from the town of Sisters. This gradual hike will lead to the cliff where you will get a panoramic view as far north as Mount Hood and more intimate views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters and Three Creek Lake.

If you would like to extend the hike into a multi-day trip, consider traversing the north side of Broken Top to wrap around to Green Lakes, or cut east to Camp and Chambers Lakes. Three Creek Lake is also a perfect basecamp for packing to Park Meadow.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Great views. Camping nearby.

Cons

Access requires a long drive on forest roads.

Trailhead Elevation

6,520.00 ft (1,987.30 m)

Features

Big vistas

Location

Get Driving Directions

Nearby Adventures

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Tam McArthur Rim to Green Lakes

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Three Creek Lake + Tam McArthur Rim Yurts

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Three Creek Lake Campground

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Nearby Lodging + Camping

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Three Creek Lake Campground

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Three Creek Lake, Driftwood Campground

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Three Creek Meadow Campground + Horse Camp

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Comments

Fred Tepfer
08/29/2016
It is helpful to point out that Lewis McArthur was the creator of the great Oregon Geographic Names, one of the best reading about Oregon that can be found. To just leave it that he was secretary of the Oregon Geographic Names Board is a huge understatement.

The irony is that Tam McArthur (his nickname) Rim is one of the few places that he never visited, although he certainly saw it from afar many times.
F Chan
06/08/2014
Three Creek Lake, early June Morning
View Photos
Michael Sawiel
10/04/2014
This is a great hike to see the sunset on the Cascades. 10 peaks can be seen from this viewpoint! During the day, this is a very crowded trail. At dusk, only a few people remain.
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