Obsidian Gear Checklist

What shapes your gear on Obsidian Trailhead

When permits apply

The Forest Service requires a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for day use at 19 of 79 trailheads from June 15 to October 15. Day-use permits cost $1 per person for each outing, and an account is recommended but not required. The agency releases about 40 percent 10 days ahead and the rest 2 days ahead.

From USDA Forest Service, Willamette National Forest

Trailhead and access

This trailhead reaches the Pacific Crest Trail, the Obsidian Trail and the Scott Trail. Highway OR 242 usually reopens on the third Monday of June if weather allows, and some trails often hold snow into late June. A federal recreation pass is required for parking.

From Recreation.gov

Loop lengths and climb

A 2016 news account lists loops of 10.6 and 15.8 miles from the trailhead. A guide describes a 16-mile loop with about 2,800 feet of climbing. A local columnist describes a 13.3-mile Scott Trail and Obsidian loop that tops out at 6,320 feet.

From KVAL, from The Bulletin and AP, NW Hiker and The Nugget Newspaper

Steep either way

The columnist says the north side of Opie Dilldock Pass is steep and the south-side switchbacks are steeper, so a clockwise circuit is smarter. A Substack hiker called the descent off the pass grueling and was glad not to be climbing it.

From The Nugget Newspaper and Ken Barber on Substack

Weather swings

On a Labor Day 2008 trip the morning began cool and damp under cloud, and a loop on the PCT later produced small pellets and snow. A multi-day party on the nearby PCT watched a cold front arrive with wind and light rain at camp, then woke to sun that dried their tents.

From Oregon Hikers forum: 8/30-9/1'08 Obsidian Trail-Three Sisters Wilderness and Washington Trails Association

What hikers carry on Obsidian Trailhead

• Water for the dry stretches, plus a way to treat it

  Minnie Scott Spring was the first water a 2000 party saw since leaving a lake, and they filled every container there because White Branch Creek was dry. A guide calls the spring apparently year-round. Another hiker who was low on water there drank deeply and refilled a bottle.

  From Washington Trails Association, NW Hiker and Ken Barber on Substack

• Mosquito protection for the meadows

  A June 2015 hiker met mosquitoes from Sunshine Meadow onward on the way down and found that walking fast was the best defense. A guide imagines flying insects thick in the flower meadow near the PCT junction.

  From Oregon Hikers forum: Three Sisters: Scott Trail - Obsidian Loop, June 15, 2015 and NW Hiker

• Layers for damp starts and sudden hail

  A 2016 hiker began a late-summer day on a cool, damp trail. A 2008 hiker had low cloud, then pellets and snow by afternoon. A 2000 party camped in wind and light rain.

  From KVAL, from The Bulletin and AP, Oregon Hikers forum: 8/30-9/1'08 Obsidian Trail-Three Sisters Wilderness and Washington Trails Association

• A map for the braided lava trails

  A June 2015 hiker called the path up Collier Cone well worn but braided, and a guide notes that the loop around the cone meets the PCT in two spots marked by large cairns. The Recreation.gov page also tells hikers to carry a detailed map.

  From Oregon Hikers forum: Three Sisters: Scott Trail - Obsidian Loop, June 15, 2015, NW Hiker and Recreation.gov

• Paw protection for a dog on the lava

  Forum members asked whether a dog's paws cope with lava and obsidian chips. One owner said the area was no worse than parts of the PCT near Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood, but sensitive paws suffered at 11 miles a day. He suggested keeping days to 8 miles or less.

  From Oregon Hikers forum: 8/30-9/1'08 Obsidian Trail-Three Sisters Wilderness

Gear questions for Obsidian Trailhead