Sisters church offers hiking expeditions

Three Sisters Fellowship is once again offering organized hikes for people of all ages this summer.

Due to heavy snowpack in the mountains some of the trails in the area will not be open until later this summer, but hike coordinator Kim Barry has planned the first three trips at lower elevations and will publish future outings as trails open up.

Unless otherwise noted, all hikes will originate at Three Sisters Fellowship located on the corner of Trinity Way and McKinney Butte Road. Car-pooling is encouraged.

The summer hiking program has been a tradition for the past few years with a focus on getting out and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding Sisters area, according to Barry.

"Knowing that there is an opportunity to get together and get outside brings people together," she said.

The first trip, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, will begin at Clear Lake and include stops at Sahalie and Koosah Fallls.

Most Central Oregonians have driven over to Eugene along the McKenzie River without ever checking out these beautiful falls, according to Barry. "This is a good time to slow down and see the sights that we normally just zip past in the car," she said.

"The McKenzie River is magical itself and these two falls really show the power of the river during high water times."

The loop is 2.6 miles long and is accessible to all ages. Meet at Three Sisters Fellowship on Trinity Lane at 9 a.m. with a lunch and water. The hike should return to Sisters by 2 p.m., but an option of boating at Clear Lake for those interested will return by 5 p.m.

The following weekend on Sunday, June 29, hikers can enjoy a four-mile hike along the Metolius River including a stop at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. The hike is considered moderate and is open to all ages. Meet at 1 p.m.

On Saturday, July 5, hikers can try a more challenging hike to Alder Springs which includes 1,600 feet of elevation gain in a 3.6-mile trip, which is suited for older children and adults. Alder Springs is less than 20 miles east of Sisters on the back roads to Redmond and the hike includes views of pictographs on canyon walls. Departure is set for 9 a.m. with a return time of around 1 p.m.

For more information contact Kim Barry at 549-2934.