Three sisters traverse

The weather isn't looking as good as it does to the south. After having to come home after skiing Shasta, I want to head back down for a few days, but not as far. The Three Sisters Traverse came to mind. I was wondering, since I know very little about the oregon cascades, what are people's thoughts about this traverse? Fun, easy, hard, daytrip, two day? Enter/exit? Access?

I have tomorrow through Thursday afternoon. If anyone would like to join, I am up for that, too. I'm just kind of throwing the idea out there right now, though, but I do plan on going somewhere beginning tomorrow.

Thoughts?

Thanks...

I'm surprised this lasted so long without a reply...ODOT is still reporting road closures of Mackenzie Pass and of the Cascade Lakes Highway. I seem to remember the CLH opening around Memorial Day weekend. Mackenzie Pass Hwy. is usually later. So, given those roads are currently closed, I would choose to do the traverse in a south to north direction, possibly adding Broken Top to the agenda to minimize road slogging downhill at the beginning. Starting at Dutchmans Flat, head to Todd Lk. and Broken Top, then take the nice ski off BT to the Lava Flow south of Green Lakes and up the Lewis Glacier to South Sister. Choose a line off SS (Prouty Glacier looks nice) and your set up to ascend Middle Sister's SE Ridge, which is a good ski and an argument for doing the traverse the other direction. Middle sister to North Sister is the easiest transition between peaks because they are connected up high by the Prouty Pinnacle (might as well add that to the list!). Boot up North Sister and pick a line (Thayer Glacier looks nice). The easiest exit from this finish would be Pole Cr. TH. Don't know the current status of this either, but a call to the Ranger might give an idea for all of the roads mentioned. Pole creek road would be a slight downhill glide to the snowline vs. the nasty uphill for miles on the North side. Given your resume, I would guess this would be a 2 day trip with the current road status. Hope this helps...

Jason, I haven't done the traverse, but have skied all the peaks. North Sister is a bitch, and pretty tough/impossible to ski from the summit, depending on conditions. The June day I climbed it many years ago there was a body length vertical step of water ice at the top of the steep and icy Bowling Alley. I needed two tools to climb it, then used a light rope to rap on the descent. The Alley and traverse back to the south ridge were not skiable that day, and pretty nerve wracking climbing with mushy snow over ice. The north face has a great run on it, but the snow stops a couple hundred feet from the top below cliffs. Bring yer helmet - the rock is horrid - it is known as The Black Beast of the Cascades.

Thanks guys. I may just end up doing a few tours and climb individual peaks. I don't have a second car, so the traverse doesn't make sense. Maybe after I figure the area out I can come back and do it. BTW, great photos! I'm excited to get down there now!!!   

Appreciate everyones help, those that posted here or sent me messages.

Just talked to Deschutes Co. Road Department, and they are currently plowing the road (CLH) and hope to have it open by this weekend. Will know more on Thursday.

I am planning on going to the sisters sat may 29-Mon may 31 if you are interested. I live at snoq pass and have been touring for almost 10 years
Adam
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