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Tam McArthur Rim


Highlights:

Hike in the 3 Sisters Wilderness with a great view of Three Creek Lake
Near:Sisters, OR
Scenery:
Distance:5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1242 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: From the Three Creeks Lake trailhead you follow a winding switch back single track trail up the mountain out of the tree line, which tops out on the "Tam McArthur Rim" with a great view of Broken Top Mountain and the valley below. You then hike along the rim through a snow field (at least into August) and onto MAC rim at 7732 ft el. From here you have a great view all the way around. This is my turn-around point, though the trail does continue on for an approx 2 more miles. There are some steep drop-offs, so don't let young kids roam unattended (see photos)
Trailhead: Follow Hwy 20 east from I-5 to Sisters, Oregon. Take a right on Elm Street which turns into Three Creeks Lake Road as it leaves town. Follow this road till it ends at Three Creeks Lake. There you'll need a "wilderness pass" to park at the marked trailhead called "Tam McArthur Rim" trail. There is a port-a-john available. This point follow the single track up the hill. After the hike you take a swim or soak in the lake which has a nice "beach" area. (Lat:44.2334 Lon:-121.5664)
Trail Guides for Tam McArthur Rim:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: US Forest Service
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Craig Cole, who has posted  72 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Jim on 9/19/2009
Always great exercise with an interesting trail, ice fields to slide in, great views, and change in terrain. I have done the trail about 25 times over the years, and always look forward to doing it again.

Reviewed by Cody on 4/13/2009
I hiked this one awhile ago but it still reamins the most beautiful hike of all!

Reviewed by Deven on 9/2/2008
Fantastic views for relatively little effort. I'd say this is more of a moderate hike and not strenuous but I live in Bend so I don't have the elevation concerns to deal with that someone from the valley may have.

Reviewed by Aaron on 8/11/2008
The views were spectacular! The trail was tremendous! Overall amazing!

Reviewed by Drake on 12/13/2007
My name is Drake and I'm 6 years old. I hiked Tam McArthur Rim earlier this year with my dad. We found some Obsidian, two crickets and great views in every direction.

Reviewed by Richard on 11/16/2007
Continue beyond Tam Rim toward Broken Top. Go x-country and drop NW down into Snow Cr. Basin. There is a trail over the ridge west of the basin where you can intersect the Green Lakes trail, then head north toward Park Meadow. Catch the trail eastward back toward 3-Cr. Lake for a round trip: Probably about 15 miles or so. if you're running the route, you will need gaiters down through the scree into Snow Cr.basin.

Reviewed by Jack on 9/6/2007
This hike can't be beat, but you will meet a lot of people.

Reviewed by Peggy on 7/22/2007
We make this hike at least once a summer - always something new!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Deschutes County Hiking, Deschutes County Trails, Deschutes County Hikes

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