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BEND OREGON JULY 4TH LONG WEEKEND
July 3-6, 2026 | Sisters, OR | 8 people | Medium-Strenuous
3 days, 3 big hikes in Central Oregon. Based out of Sisters. This is not a casual trip — all hikes are 8-12 miles with significant elevation. Come prepared.

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Meet : We will coordinate convenient pick up points since hauling gear is involved.
CAMP Heart of Sisters (Hipcamp), Sisters OR Hosted by Drew. Flush toilet, shower, firepit. https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/oregon-heart-of-sisters-qeoh0w8k

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## DAY 1 — Friday Jul 3

7:00 AM — Depart Green Lake P&R. I-90 E to US-97 S, ~4.5 hrs to Sisters area.
11:30 AM — Hit the trailhead fresh off the drive.
12:00 PM — Tam McArthur Rim to Broken Hand. Steep out of the gate, most elevation in first 2 miles, then exposed ridgeline to Broken Hand with full Cascade panorama. Bring real layers — 25F drop from Sisters.
6:00 PM — Back in Sisters. Set up camp, walk to July 4th fireworks.
Hard: Tam McArthur Rim to Broken Hand | 10 mi | 2,200 ft | 5-6 hrs
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/three-creeks-lake-to-broken-hand
Easier: Tam McArthur Rim viewpoint only | 6 mi | 1,400 ft | 3-4 hrs — turn around at the rim, still spectacular.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/tam-mcarthur-rim-trail

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## DAY 2 — Saturday Jul 4

5:30 AM — Early breakfast at camp. Biggest day needs maximum daylight.
7:30 AM — Green Lakes trailhead. Soda Creek Trail winds through old-growth forest before opening into the volcanic Green Lakes basin with Broken Top looming directly above.
10:00 AM — Past the lakes onto Broken Top climber's path. Unmaintained — loose rock, route-finding, possible snow. Group turnaround time agreed before we leave camp.
4:00 PM — Back at trailhead. Dinner in Sisters, early night.
Hard: Green Lakes + Broken Top Crater | 12 mi | 2,800 ft | 8-9 hrs. Trekking poles + microspikes required.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/green-lakes
Easier: Green Lakes out-and-back only | 9 mi | 1,100 ft | 5-6 hrs — maintained trail the whole way, no gear required.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/green-lakes

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## DAY 3 — Sunday Jul 5

6:30 AM — Pack up camp, Sisters Coffee Co. two blocks from camp.
8:30 AM — Smith Rock State Park. Misery Ridge up, Wolf Tree along the Crooked River back. Iconic red canyon walls, rock climbers on the walls, Cascades in the distance. Right on US-97 — hike out and drive straight home.
12:30 PM — Late lunch at Monkless Belgian Ales, then north on US-97.
6:30 PM — Back at Green Lake P&R.
Hard: Misery Ridge + Wolf Tree Loop | 8 mi | 1,500 ft | 4 hrs
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/misery-ridge-and-summit-trail-loop
Easier: Misery Ridge Loop only | 4 mi | 1,000 ft | 2.5 hrs — same iconic views, legs-friendly closer.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/misery-ridge-and-summit-trail-loop

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WHAT TO BRING

  • Trekking poles
  • Microspikes (required hard version Day 2)
  • Headlamp
  • Layers — it gets cold at elevation even in July
  • NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass (required all 3 days)
  • 3 liters water minimum per day
  • Snacks and lunch for the trail each day

PERMITS Central Cascades Wilderness Permit required June 15-Oct 15 for Tam McArthur trailhead. (I will figure it out, as they are released 10 days in advance)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/willamette/permits/central-cascades-wilderness-permits

FITNESS LEVEL Hard version is for experienced hikers comfortable with 10+ mile days and significant elevation. Easier options are suitable for anyone who hikes regularly.

COST

  • Gas: $120 per person
  • Camp: $20 per person for 2 nights
  • Food: on your own

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LIABILITY WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
By RSVPing to this event you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. Outdoor activities including hiking involve inherent risks — uneven terrain, weather, wildlife, physical exertion, and remote conditions — that cannot be fully eliminated.
  2. You participate voluntarily and assume full responsibility for your own safety, health, and wellbeing during all activities associated with this trip.
  3. You confirm that you are physically fit and capable of completing the hike options appropriate to your fitness level.
  4. The trip organizer and Washington Weekends are not liable for any injury, illness, loss, or damage arising from your participation.
  5. You agree to follow the group leader's instructions including turnaround decisions, and understand that conditions may require changes to the planned itinerary.
  6. You will carry appropriate gear including water, layers, headlamp, and any personal medications.

RSVPing to this event constitutes your acceptance of the above terms.

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