The Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon are rugged and majestic. Visitors can enjoy hiking their trails, skiing their slopes, or gazing at their snow-capped peaks from several viewpoints and scenic byways throughout the region.
Check out some of the Central Oregon’s most notable peaks:
Mount Jefferson
Lewis and Clark spied this mountain not far from the mouth of the Willamette River in 1806 while on their Corps of Discovery expedition – and named it in honor of President Thomas Jefferson. Mount Jefferson is the second-highest mountain in Oregon, and is also the northernmost of the Cascade peaks in the region. As of summer 2026, Jefferson Park is snow‑free except for a few short sections, and wildflowers are expected to peak within one to two weeks . The hike to the lower meadow is 4.5 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain, making it ideal for families, while the upper meadow and viewpoint saddle offer a more challenging 7.5‑mile trek
Three Fingered Jack
Known for its craggy peak rising up to the sky, Three Finger Jack is one of the oldest shield volcanoes in the Cascade Range. It is a popular peak for experienced mountain climbers, with a 7,841 foot summit that boasts breathtaking views of other Cascade volcanoes in the region. The northeast face of the mountain is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous climbs in Oregon. As of 2026, the South Ridge route (5.2) remains popular but involves real exposure and loose terrain . Climbers should be sensitive to erosion, especially when climbing or descending without snow cover . The Canyon Creek Meadows Loop, just 45 minutes from Bend, offers a close‑up view of Three Fingered Jack and features meadows, waterfalls, and creeks
Black Butte
This extinct stratovolcano is located just outside Sisters. The nearly perfect symmetrical shape is among the most distinctive in Central Oregon. Hike to the top of Black Butte in the summer or fall, where you can enjoy stunning views of the majestic Cascade peaks. In 2026, the four‑mile round‑trip hike from the upper trailhead involves 1,500 feet of elevation gain and rewards visitors with views of Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters, and Broken Top . The road to the upper trailhead remains bumpy but is clear of snow for most of the season
Broken Top
Located just south of the Three Sisters sits Broken Top, a glacier-carved stratovolcano with a shattered peak that’s among the most distinctive in Central Oregon. A popular hiking trail leads to the summit, rewarding those up for the challenge with breathtaking views of ponderosa pines, fields of wildflowers, and a turquoise lake. The Broken Top Loop is a difficult 22.5‑mile route offering dramatic volcanic scenery and alpine lakes . The best time to hike is late July through August when snow has cleared from the higher sections, making navigation easier . The unpaved access roads (5¼ miles) vary in condition from year to year, so high clearance is always advised
Mount Washington
Known for its long, curvy slope and short, yet angular peak – this deeply eroded volcano was named for President George Washington. Today, the Mount Washington Wilderness is home to hiking, backpacking, and equestrian trails – including the Pacific Crest Trail. The Mount Washington Wilderness encompasses 54,278 acres and was established in 1964 as one of the original areas under the Wilderness Act . The Mount Washington North Ridge Trail is a 10.9‑mile alpine rock climb offering panoramic views . The wilderness is managed jointly by the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests
Three Sisters
The trio of volcanic peaks are among the most striking in Central Oregon, each rising more than 10,000 feet. Three Sisters were known to the pioneers as Faith (North Sister), Hope (Middle Sister) and Charity (South Sister). The Sisters have become one of the most popular destinations for climbers in Oregon. The South Sister Climber Trail remains a strenuous 5.9‑mile route with 4,785 feet of elevation gain, typically taking around 4.5 hours . Hikers should be prepared for snowfields, especially earlier in the season, and may need microspikes for safe passage . A new tunnel under the highway and a footbridge over Tyee Creek near the Devils Lake parking lot have been completed, improving trail access
Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor got its name largely because it stands apart from the Three Sisters, and is an iconic image with its somewhat flat top. The mountain is home to the largest ski area in the Pacific Northwest (and the sixth largest ski area in North America), and also boasts a variety of summer activities including ziplining and mountain biking on its slopes.
Major 2026 Updates:
Summer operations at Mt. Bachelor begin Thursday, June 25, 2026, featuring the most expansive opening weekend terrain offering to date, including 13 Bike Park trails and top‑to‑bottom hiking access . The resort has added two new disc golf courses and will host events including the Friday Night Race Series, Little Rollers, Northwest Cup Downhill Race (August 7‑9), Red Line Rally (August 29), Yoga in the Wild, Bachelor Ascent (September 12), Movies in the Mountains, and the Bachelor Summer Trailfest (October 3‑4) .
The Northwest Chairlift modernization project is underway, with crews burying 5,000 feet of fiber lines to protect against ice buildup and constructing a new maintenance garage and upgraded operator shacks . The lift upgrade is expected to be complete by fall 2026, ahead of the projected opening date of November 28 .
Mt. Bachelor has also taken over operations of the former LOGE Bend property, reintroducing it as Trailhead Lodge, a 70‑room basecamp designed for outdoor enthusiasts located just 20 minutes from the mountain and 10 minutes from downtown Bend . The property features pet‑friendly accommodations, a hot tub and pool, expansive outdoor areas, and local beer and wine on tap .
Summer activities include sunset dinners at 7,800 feet, ZipTour zipline experiences, scenic chairlift rides, overnight camping, child care, and the return of Yoga in the Wild . The resort has also been re‑certified as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Resort and launched initiatives to keep used bike tires out of landfills.
Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System – 2026 Update
In an effort to preserve the beauty of the wilderness, the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System limits the number of hikers and backpackers at many of the most popular mountain trailheads. As of 2026, the day‑use limited entry system affects 19 of 79 trailheads between June 15 and October 15 in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, and Three Sisters wilderness areas. Trailheads include Broken Top, Tam McArthur, Green Lakes, and Todd Lake . Overnight permits are required for all trails in the three wilderness areas .
In 2025, 121,692 people received permits, with approximately 81,700 day‑use permits and nearly 40,000 overnight permits issued . Day‑use permits are released on 10‑day and 2‑day rolling windows (40% released 10 days ahead, 60% two days ahead), while 60% of overnight permits are released on a seven‑day rolling basis during the season . Permits are available through recreation.gov or their app, with a $1 processing fee for day‑use permits and a $6 fee for overnight permits per group . No permits are needed from October 16 to June 14 . Visitors entering permit‑required areas without a valid permit can face fines starting at $200 .
We encourage you to check the Forest Service website for updated permit information and requirements before your visit.
