FOUR-IN-ONE CRATER
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We first hiked up to Four-in-One Crater (sometimes called Four-in-One Cone) late in September, but found ourselves shrouded in damp cloud cover with limited visibility before we reached the top. A couple weeks later, on a gorgeous October Saturday, North and Middle Sisters dominate the skyline from the top of the cinder ridge at 6,258' in elevation.
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From the trailhead, start south across the MacKenzie Hwy and up into the timber. At 0.2 miles, take the left fork toward the Pacific Crest Trail. |
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The trail in mid October was covered with more snow than we anticipated, which made for a good work-out. |
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The lower part of the trail takes you through lodgepole pine. Partway up is a switchback that affords sweeping views before you head back into timber.
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At approximately 2.7 miles, you'll begin to see an amazing lava ridge through the trees. |
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The trail then takes you up and over three mounds of lava ...
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... with this photo showing the last descent.
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We didn't realize on the first hike that there were impressive views of North Sister beginning near the lava ridges. |
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At the 4-mile point, the trail crests in a large, flat cinder basin. North Sister looms to the right (not seen here through the cloud cover) ...
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... but seen here on our second excursion in October. |
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Four-in-One Crater is the large cinder cone to the left when you reach the cinder flat. This photo is courtesy of our friend, Mike, who hiked the trail on a summer day.
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From the top of the cinder ridge that makes up Four-in-One Crater, this was all we could see of North and Middle Sisters on a damp September day.
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After first snowfall a couple weeks later, the view from the top of Four-in-One-Crater takes in North and Middle Sisters to the south ... |
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... and, as you face north, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson. We also spotted Mt. Hood just off the right flank of Jefferson, not visible in this photo due to the haze.
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