Fire-free Green Ridge Trail

This time of year, many equestrian trail riders would like to be riding in the high country around Sisters. The fall weather is perfect for trail riding - sunny, but not too hot. The trails are snow-free and logged out. The horses are in great shape and raring to go.

But with the Pole Creek Fire raging, equestrians can't ride to Park Meadow, Tam McArthur Rim, Black Crater, or Scott Pass. They can't even ride at Peterson Ridge. The horse camps and trailheads at Sisters Cow Camp, Whispering Pine, and Three Creek Meadow are closed. The trailheads along the McKenzie Highway and Three Creek Road are inaccessible. So what's left? Where can you ride?

The answer, and it's a good one, is the Green Ridge Trail.

Green Ridge forms the eastern boundary of the Metolius Basin. The trail runs along its crest, nine miles one way, from the northeast side of Black Butte to a lookout tower near the north end of the ridge. Assuming the smoke from the Pole Creek Fire is blowing to the south or east, the trail offers spectacular views of the Cascades and the Metolius Basin below.

The riding is easy, with a few switchbacks taking you up onto the ridge. After that, the trail follows the gentle contours of the ridgetop. The footing is suitable for barefoot horses. And the trail is nicely shaded by ponderosas and firs.

The Green Ridge Trail, which is maintained by volunteers from the Sisters Trails Alliance, is open to horses, hikers, and mountain bike riders, though you will seldom see anyone else on the trail.

The Green Ridge Lookout, near the north end of the ridge, offers a fabulous view of Mt. Jefferson. The lookout tower is available for overnight rental through the Forest Service (sorry, no horse facilities), so you may have the opportunity to chat with folks who are spending the weekend in this idyllic location.

Of course, it isn't necessary to ride the entire 18-mile round-trip in order to have a great time. No matter how far you ride, you'll be treated to a delightful forested ride with excellent views of the mountains and the Metolius Basin below you.

So don't let the fire keep you from exploring the beautiful Sisters-area trails. Just put your horse in the trailer, and head to Green Ridge.

Getting There: Take Highway 20 northwest of Sisters for six miles. Turn right on Forest Road 11 near Indian Ford Campground. Drive north 4.2 miles and turn left on Road 1120 (about 0.5 mile past the turnoff to the Black Butte hiker trailhead), then go 0.9 mile to the parking area, which is little more than a dirt loop on the left. The trail departs from Road 1120 directly across from the entrance to the parking area.