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Obsidian Trail

Willamette National Forest, Oregon · 6 min read

Distance
12.2 mi
Elevation Gain
2,000 ft
Difficulty
moderate-strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
7 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Dramatic obsidian lava fields from the volcanic flanks of North Sister
  • Obsidian Falls, a striking cascade over jet-black volcanic glass
  • Alpine meadows and moraines beneath the glaciers of North and Middle Sister
  • Views of three volcanic peaks: North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister
  • Limited-entry permit system ensures this wilderness area is never over-crowded

The Obsidian Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness is among the most visually distinctive routes accessible from Willamette National Forest. The 12.2-mile out-and-back enters a landscape shaped by recent volcanic activity, crossing fields of jet-black obsidian lava, passing Obsidian Falls, and arriving at the moraine-edged meadows beneath the glaciers of North and Middle Sister at around 6,000 feet. The Three Sisters are among the most prominent volcanic peaks in Oregon, and this western approach from the Willamette side delivers the most dramatic close-up views available without technical climbing. A limited-entry permit system caps daily visitors at 30 day-hikers, which keeps the wilderness experience real.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Forest approach. The trail begins at the Obsidian Trailhead on Highway 242 and climbs through a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, Pacific silver fir, and mountain hemlock. The grade is moderate and the trail is well maintained. You gain approximately 600 feet in the first 2 miles before the terrain begins to open.

Miles 2 to 4: Transition to volcanic terrain. The forest gives way to increasingly open terrain as you approach the boundary of the Three Sisters Wilderness. The landscape transitions from continuous forest to forest with lava intrusions, then to open volcanic rock. Obsidian chips are visible in the trail and on the surrounding rock surfaces; the USFS strongly recommends leaving all obsidian in place.

Miles 4 to 5: Obsidian Falls. The route passes Obsidian Falls, where a small creek drops over a black volcanic cliff in a striking contrast of white water against dark rock. This is a natural rest stop before the final push to the high meadows.

Miles 5 to 6.1: Alpine meadows below North Sister. The trail climbs through open alpine meadows with wildflowers in late July and August. Moraines from the Collier Glacier on North Sister are visible overhead. The destination is the broad meadow zone below the north ridge of North Sister at approximately 6,000 feet, where the full panorama of North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister opens up. This is the turnaround point for most day hikers.

Return: Retrace the route back to the trailhead.

When to Visit

Mid-July through August: The prime window. Snow on the upper lava fields and meadows can persist into early July in heavy snowpack years. Wildflowers in the alpine meadows peak in late July and early August. The permit quota means crowd levels are managed, but arrive early on peak-season dates.

September and October: The shoulder season offers excellent hiking with fewer visitors competing for permits. The fall light is beautiful on the volcanic terrain. Snow can return to the upper meadows in mid-October. The permit requirement ends October 15, making late-season trips easier to plan on short notice.

Early season (before mid-July): The road to the trailhead may be open (Highway 242 typically opens in late May or June), but snow on the upper route makes the full trip impractical for most hikers. Those with snow travel experience can explore the lower sections of the trail.

What to Bring

  • Water: Streams are available in the lower forest sections and near Obsidian Falls. Many hikers carry 2 liters and filter water on the trail. Individual hydration needs vary significantly with exertion and temperature.
  • Navigation: The trail is generally well marked, but the open lava fields can obscure trail tread. Download the route on a GPS app (Gaia GPS, AllTrails) before leaving the trailhead.
  • Trekking poles: Strongly recommended for stability on the volcanic rock and lava fields, which can be loose and uneven.
  • Layers: The high meadows at 6,000 feet are significantly cooler and windier than the trailhead. A wind shell and insulating layer belong in every pack on this route.
  • Permit documentation: Have your Recreation.gov permit confirmation accessible, either printed or downloaded to your phone offline. Rangers periodically check permits in the Limited Entry Area.

Practical Details

Trailhead: The Obsidian Trailhead is on Highway 242, approximately 12 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. The paved parking area has a vault toilet. Northwest Forest Pass required for the vehicle.

Highway access: Highway 242 is a seasonal road closed in winter. It typically opens in late May or June and closes in late October or November. Verify current status with the McKenzie River Ranger District or at odot.oregon.gov before your trip.

Permits: This is a Limited Entry Area. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required June 15 through October 15 for all entry. Daily quota: 30 day-hikers, 40 overnight hikers. Day permits are $1 per person; overnight permits are $6 per permit as of 2026. Reservations open through Recreation.gov on a rolling advance schedule. Day permits can sometimes be obtained closer to the trip date; overnight permits for peak weekends typically sell out within hours of release. Verify current requirements at recreation.gov.

Dogs: Allowed on leash throughout the wilderness.

Cell service: None in this area. Download maps, permit documentation, and directions before leaving McKenzie Bridge.

Camping: Dispersed overnight camping is permitted with the overnight permit. Camp on durable surfaces (rock or already-disturbed ground), not in the meadows. Campfires are prohibited in the Obsidian Limited Entry Area; cook stoves only.

Getting There

From Eugene, take Highway 126 east through McKenzie Bridge (approximately 50 miles, about 1 hour). Past McKenzie Bridge, take Highway 242 east toward McKenzie Pass and Sisters. Drive approximately 12 miles on Highway 242 to the Obsidian Trailhead on the right (north) side of the road. Total drive from Eugene is approximately 1.5 hours.

From Sisters or Bend, approach via Highway 242 from the east (approximately 14 miles west of Sisters). Note that the single-lane section through the lava fields requires attention and caution passing oncoming vehicles.

Beyond the Obsidian Trail

For those who secure an overnight permit, the Obsidian area connects to the longer loop routes around the Three Sisters, including the Three Sisters Loop (approximately 50 miles), which circumnavigates all three peaks. This is considered one of the premier backpacking routes in the Pacific Northwest.

Proxy Falls is a short, no-permit loop accessible from the same Highway 242 corridor, about 3 miles west of the Obsidian Trailhead. Pairing both in a single day is feasible for those who start early: do the Obsidian Trail first with more energy, then stop at Proxy Falls on the way back down.

The McKenzie River Trail lower section, accessible from Highway 126, offers a completely different character for hikers who want old-growth forest and river scenery after the volcanic high country.

Trailhead Parking

Obsidian Trailhead on Highway 242, approximately 12 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Paved lot with vault toilets. Northwest Forest Pass required. Accessible only when Highway 242 is open, typically late May through October.

← Back to Willamette National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Obsidian Trail?
The Obsidian Trail is approximately 12.2 miles out-and-back with around 2,000 feet of elevation gain to the meadows below North Sister. Most hikers take 6 to 8 hours for the round trip. The route can also be done as an overnight backpacking trip.
Do you need a permit for the Obsidian Trail?
Yes. The Obsidian area is a Limited Entry Area within the Three Sisters Wilderness. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required June 15 through October 15 for both day hikers and overnight users. Daily limits are 30 day-hikers and 40 overnight hikers. Permits are reserved through Recreation.gov. As of 2026, day-use permits are $1 per person. Verify current requirements and release schedules before your trip.
Are dogs allowed on the Obsidian Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Given the volcanic terrain and stream crossings, keep dogs under close control.
When should I hike the Obsidian Trail?
The trail is rated best from mid-July through September. Snow can cover the upper lava fields and meadows into July in heavy snowpack years. The permit window runs June 15 through October 15. Wildflowers in the alpine meadows are typically best in late July and early August.