Deschutes Nat’l Forest             Sisters District

The Three Creek Lake Area

THE THREE CREEK LAKE AREA is located at the base of Broken Top Mountain and the Three Sisters Mountains. It is reached by turning south in the middle of the town of Sisters off the Main Street, Hwy 20. The street is well marked with green street signs. This area is extremely popular when it is open, which sometimes isn’t that often. In the 1999 season it didn’t open until the Labor Day weekend, due to the heavy snowfall, and then it snowed on opening day. In 2001 we were able to open the area as early as Memorial Day Weekend. Normally Three Creek opens in early June, but we will always try to have the campgrounds open by Memorial Day if possible. If the campgrounds are full there are signs down near Sisters which will let you know that without having to be disappointed after making the approximate half hour drive up to the campgrounds. If you are camping mid-week you have little to worry about and even on most weekends there is usually room available.

            The area is built around Three Creek Lake. The lake is popular with fishermen and those with small boats. However, the water is cold and stays that way because it is snowmelt fed. When the snow does finally melt the water level goes down. Two of the campgrounds surround the lake and two more are built in a meadow just before the lake. This is a great area for hiking and horse trail riding. The Tam McArthur trail is a must for hikers. It is sharply uphill for the first half hour or so but then flattens out and is steep only occasionally. The view is spectacular and the surroundings are a great representation of the High Cascades. As you travel through the area please be sure to help keep it in its current pristine condition. The ambitious traveler can continue on through a gap in the mountains between Broken Top and The Sisters to come out in the Sisters Wilderness Area. Be sure to go in well prepared for any high mountain change of weather. The Tam McArthur Trail will take you from an hour or two to get up and of course less than that to get down, but allow time to just hang out once you get to the top of the ridge.

            There is a small convenience store located between Driftwood and Three Creek Lake Campgrounds, but you are best advised to bring what you need with you.