When should I arrive at the South Sister south trailhead (Portland: home, camping)

[VTHokieFan]

IF I'm trying to summit the South Sister going the non-technical way (I believe the south approach), what time should I arrive at the trailhead to beat the crowds? I was thinking of leaving Portland at 2 and getting there at 5:30. Thoughts?

[delta07]

You're planning on driving from Portland and climbing South Sister is the same day? It's a fairly long & arduous hike. I would not recommend driving 3.5 hours and then climbing the mountain. Why not come up the night before and camp at Devil's Lake, right next to the trailhead? It's a beautiful spot and this time of year you won't have to fight huge crowds to get camp spots, especially if you come on a weeknight.

I have never done South Sister (I was supposed to climb in last fall but then herniated a disc in my back and I'm still healing) but had friends who just did it this summer. It's a long, full day of hiking at 11 steep miles.

[BendLocal]

What day would you be arriving?

[VTHokieFan]

Originally Posted by BendLocal

What day would you be arriving?

Tomorrow i.e Sunday at like 5:30am

[BendLocal]

Many hikers spend the night up there so will be competing with those that have camped and the Sunday hikers up for an out and back. I'd guess that 5:30am would put you in a good spot as far as the day hikers go but you never know how many spots are taken from the day(s) before.

[kapetrich]

Your time frame works. Honestly, we're at the tail end of tourist season so the trail won't be tooooooo crowded especially if you start that early. Like BendLocal wrote, you'll be competing with people camping up at ~Moraine Lake attempting summit, but other than that you'll be good to go.

Like Delta suggested, driving 3hours to hike a pretty arduous ~12 mile ~4k elevation gain hike and then driving 3 hours home probably isn't the best idea, but it's up to you to assess your risk. Also, we have no idea what type of shape your'e in.

If I was you I'd at least think about staying the night in Bend Sunday night.

FYI: The hike can take anywhere between 4-10hours depending on the type of shape you're in, how long you spend atop, etc.

For reference, I "climb" South Sister twice a summer.

Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes!

[VTHokieFan]

I will be spending the night on Bend. I'm there on business. Also, I'm in half marathon shape.

[kapetrich]

Originally Posted by VTHokieFan

I will be spending the night on Bend. I'm there on business. Also, I'm in half marathon shape.

You're good to go then - it honestly won't be too bad for you, just the altitude and scree. Enjoy and let us know how the hike goes!

[VTHokieFan]

Originally Posted by kapetrich

You're good to go then - it honestly won't be too bad for you, just the altitude and scree. Enjoy and let us know how the hike goes!

Thanks. I plan on taking it easy and hopefully finishing in 10 hours

[BendLocal]

VTHokieFan, did you get a parking spot where you wanted?

By early afternoon many of the trailhead parking lots were packed and well over capacity.