How to: Prep for a Summit Hike

First things first, paperwork! In an effort to reduce congestion, help with trail upkeep, and also to ensure that adventurers are using the proper precautions, many recreation areas have started implementing permits. Because we are not camping or doing a multi-day adventure we only need a day use permit (yes, permits are this specific!) A general rule of thumb is that you will do your research on Forest Service and/or the designated natural areas website and then purchase your permit on recreation.gov (which is also an app AND has campsites and more!). For summiting South Sister utilizing the climber trail we need a day use permit for the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit (Three Sisters - Devils Lake/Moraine Lake).

A friend and I on our chilly morning start!

Second, check the weather to make sure conditions are favorable. The South Sister summit at 10,358 ft has vastly different weather from the base and is completely exposed leaving hikers depending on their gear in the elements and turning around to avoid danger when storms roll in. I found a website (mountain-forecast.com) that has a rough 10 day forecast for different peaks including precipitation and wind predictions. Once you have checked actual scientific weather your next best source for conditions are recent reviews on AllTrails (another amazing app for adventurers!) If people have been hiking recently that means 1. the trail is there and accessible and not on fire and 2. summiting is possible! My favorite hikers are ones that leave reviews to tell you exactly their experience including what they are thankful they brought and/or what they found helpful along the way. Do you need trekking poles? Is there lots of snow at the summit or scree or both? Are people running out of water? I have found all of this information and more in reviews which helps the next hikers better prep for their upcoming adventure!

View of South Sister from the trail!

Third, compile gear aka what will save you in disaster situations. I have found that having trekking poles are knee savers and stability musts on long strenuous hikes, especially on trails with scree (lots of small loose rocks). Layers, layers, layers! Layering is a magical concept and a must when adventuring in variable climate. Lightweight yet durable is usually the way to go for weight reasons but don’t skimp out if you’re on the fence - let’s be real, none of us are trying to break ultra-hiking speed records so we can afford to carry around our rain jacket even if we don’t use it! For 3 season hiking I tend to wear zip off hiking pants for bottoms because they offer sun protection and vine/stick/fern protection but can so easily be turned into shorts on a hot day. On the top it varies depending on the weather but for a big hike like this one where I will be working hard while traversing different climates I will wear a tight synthetic material t shirt with a long sleeve shirt meant for trapping warmth on top of that. For the outer layer I like to have a fleece or down vest for warmth and have a raincoat handy to throw on top of everything in case of precipitation or as an added protection against wind. You want to start hiking a little cold because you’ll get moving and sweating quickly so you don’t want to have to stop 7 minutes into your hike because you’re overheating but you want to have layers for breaks and temperature drops and enjoying your time on the summit! On my feets I always wear wool socks because my toesies get cold extremely fast. This seems like a style choice but sunglasses and a hat are actually a smart decision to protect your eyes/face from getting sunburnt! Even though big summits are usually chilly you are a lot closer to the sun and it is so easy to walk away with a burn and not realize it - protect your skin people!

Lunch at the glacier lake before our last mile (aka the Red Mile) push to the summit!

Fouth, food and water. Food is fuel and water is life. Especially with quick elevation gain it is necessary becuase there is an added risk of altitude sickness. I don’t have dietary restrictions or allergies so I always have a bag or two of jerky for protein, some cliff bars for carbs that will provide lasting energy, and some fruit snacks for quick energy boosters along the way. I’m also a lover of gorp (aka trail mix) because it combines all 3 with nuts, seeds, and chocolate! Water bladders are great because you can drink while you hike and the largest ones can hold up to 3 Liters. Alternatively, bring multiple full Nalgenes (which are usually 1 Liter each) and make continuous stops to sip. Food and water at least every 30ish minutes on a strenuous summit keeps your muscles energized and your spirit up to be able to push to the summit! Even though I believe it’s necessary to look at food as fuel that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trail snacks! Take your time trying different brands or spices or nuts or salty crunchy snacks or dried fruits to find what makes your tummy happy so you are excited when you sit down to eat your snacks or lunch. Don’t just choke down a PB&J because it’ll refuel you, pack it because you genuinely enjoy eating it - and I promise after hiking uphill for a few hours your favorite food will become even more magical. For a summit hike that takes many hours always pack a lunch with your snacks! A PB&J is a classic but if you’re like me and don’t love it, opt for a meat and cheese sandwich or maybe a veggie wrap with hummus!

Looking down the Red Mile to Teardrop Lake - the highest lake in Oregon!

Fifth, double check and triple check! I spontaneously chose to do this hike but I thought about it, got gear together, listed foods to get at the grocery, and checked weather and permits multiple times before attempting it. Some adventures lend themselves to day-of spontaneity but others require some forethought and planning, not only to protect you but also to protect our Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Middle and North Sister from the South Sister summit

Let me leave you with some wisdom I picked up from a book (Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer) and thought a lot about with this hike. Adventurers, you are not conquering Pachamama or testing your limits, you are appreciating and loving the wild and variable beauty that she is, so make sure to thank her when you reach your destination.