Husband Lake and South Sister Mountain

@chadtorkelsen

Oregon

•

Belknap Springs

Although it's quite the hike, this untouched oasis surrounding Husband Lake is somewhere you can escape from reality and experience breathtaking views of the Three Sister Mountains. Get there early, pick a campsite and enjoy a stunning mountain escape away from civilization. The area is surrounded by some of the worst burned forests in the Northwest.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Variety of lenses (especially telephoto, 75mm)
Backpacking gear for multiple days
Water and water filter
Bug spray
Sunscreen

How to get there

N44° 07' 44.5404"W121° 50' 32.5896"

This photo was taken at Husband Lake with the South Sister Mountain towering in the background. You can get there by hiking through different trailheads. The shortest one is Obsidian Trailhead (NF-1624), with 652 m elevation gain, and you have to obtain permits before your visit. You can also use Foley Ridge Trailhead (NF-2643), which is free of charge and with a bit less elevation gain but 3-4 miles longer in total. I took the Foley Ridge Trailhead hike and the roundtrip hike is 22 miles. I recommend spending at least 1-2 days backpacking here. Once you reach Husband Lake, follow the trail around until you align yourself with South Sister Mountain behind the lake. I recommend looking up trail instructions for the hike before your visit.