With snow on the ground, we walked up a small ridge from where the gate is closed for the winter, and then headed west toward the rim of Squaw Creek Canyon.

Even though it was a hazy wintry day, we counted nine peaks - Broken Top to the south, all three Sisters, Washington, Black Butte, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson (pictured here), and Hood in the northern distance.

Three Fingered Jack is one of my personal favorites because of its craggy heights. Check out the Canyon Creek Meadows trail for summertime wildflowers growing in alpine meadows at the foot of Jack.

For an autumn color view of Mt. Washington across Big Lake, check out the Patjens Lakes Loop trail.

Black Butte is seen across a snowy field. Click here for views from the top of the butte.

Middle  and South Sisters stand impressive across the canyon.

Elevation: The rim stands at approximately 3100 feet in elevation, a bit of a gain from the parking area.

Trail distance: 4-5 miles round trip from the gate to the canyon rim, depending on how far you explore along the rim.

Rated: Easy

Latitude: 44.45972

Longitude: 121.33611

Directions: From Bend, travel west on Hwy 20. Just past the viewpoint between Tumalo and Sisters, turn right on Fryrear Road. Stay on Fryrear until it crosses Hwy 126 and turns into Holmes. The road will come to a "T"; turn right to stay on Holmes. Travel another 5 miles, watching on the left for a large horse arena with a green roof. One-half mile past the arena, turn left onto a road with a sign that reads, "Closed from Dec 1 - March 31."

Park and begin your hike near the gate, following the road to the first major fork (about 3/4-1 mile). Take the left fork and head west until you come to a gated opening. Keep to your right to avoid going onto private property until you reach the canyon rim.

Fees: No fee.