Central Oregon - Three Sisters Wilderness - Traversing Yapoah Crater

My goal of these wilderness trail videos is to 1) show reverence for the beauty of the land, and 2) give YOU actionable trail information that can assist you in planning your own hike here.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, starting at Lava Camp Lake Trailhead to Matthieu Lakes (North + South) to Yapoah Crater. Was a shorter one than average, total distance was around 11 miles. Started hike at 6:20 AM and completed around noon. Weather was low of 61 degrees, high of 88 degrees, relatively a blue sky day with some smoke from regional wildfires. This was hiked on 8/12/2021, trail was completely clear of snow, and there were NO Mosquitoes! On Alltrails this hike is called "Matthieu Lakes". As far as road conditions, the trailhead is a short distance after you turn off Hwy 242, but you want to take it slow, it's little bumpy. Definitely not the worst forest road I've ever driven on, in my opinion the road DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, just drive cautiously and be prepared for a little bumpiness. There were sedans at the trailhead. Also make sure you turn right at the Pacific Crest Trailhead junction on Lava Camp Lake road, do not drive all the way up to Lava Camp Lake, that is the roughest part of the road and you will just have to turn around to go back to the Pacific Crest Trail parking area. As far as permits, the Lava Camp Lake Trailhead DOES require a Recreation.gov permit for either a day-hike or overnight camping.