Hike to Moraine Lake Beneath South Sister

The lake is less than 3 miles from Devils Lake. Starting from the Trail head along Cascade Lakes Highway you gain 1,476 feet of elevation. You will follow the South Sisters Climbers trail, it is well traveled, and well marked. 

The majority of the elevation gain occurs in the first two miles, as you meander and climb through Doug Firs and Hemlocks. If it's windy, or gusting keep an eye on less stable trees. After the final push out of the canyon you will find your self on flatter ground, and the trees will begin to open up, and you will have views of the South Sister and Broken Top

As in life, you will reach a fork in the road you can continue heading north on the South Sisters climbers trail, or you can head North east on the Moraine Lake Trail. I choose to stay on the South Sister Climber's trail. A half mile past the first fork you will reach a second fork where you can continues on to summit the South Sisters or head East towards Moraine Lake. 

You will know it once you've arrived. If the stunning views of Broken Top and South Sister aren't enough the lake is beautiful gradient from turquoise to deep blue. There are clearly posted campsites along the ridges surrounding the lake(you will see a map of the campsites posted on the trail). 

Why do I like this hike so much? its got a little bit of everything. I can crank it out before work in a few hours, I can use it as a base camp to summit the South Sister, or as easy to get to campsite when I need to get out of town for the night. 

From the lake you can hike to Green Lakes, or if you are up for a little bit further adventure you can get all the way to No Name Lake by Broken top. The PCT is also accessible from the lake, as well as a slew of other hiking and back packing trails. Get out there and enjoy this spot

here are some of the adventures accessible from this lake.

Hike to Green Lakes

Hike to No Name Lake at Broken Top

Summit the South Sister