The Three Sisters Wilderness in the central part of Oregon state, has a rich human history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been home to several Native American groups, including the Klamath, Northern Paiute, and Warm Springs tribes, who have lived and hunted in the area for centuries. The Three Sisters were revered by these tribes as sacred mountains and played an important role in their culture and traditions.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, and the forests around the Three Sisters were logged extensively for timber. There was also some mining activity, particularly around the Middle and North Sister peaks. In the early 1900s, the Forest Service began to recognize the ecological value of the area and began to establish conservation measures.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built several trails and campgrounds in the Three Sisters area, which helped to make the wilderness more accessible to visitors. During World War II, the area was used as a training ground for the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, and many of the trails and cabins in the area were built by these soldiers.
Today, the Three Sisters Wilderness is managed by the US Forest Service and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and fishing. The area’s rich human history is reflected in the numerous historic structures and sites that can be found in the wilderness, including cabins, fire lookouts, and mining remnants.
The Three Sisters, also known as the Three Sisters Wilderness, are a trio of towering peaks located in the central Cascade Range of Oregon. The peaks are named North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister, and they are considered to be some of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the state. Here are some of the stories and legends that surround these peaks.
- The Three Sisters Legend: According to one legend, the Three Sisters were three Indian princesses who were turned to stone by an evil spirit. The legend says that the sisters were hiking in the mountains when they were approached by the evil spirit, who wanted to marry them. When the sisters refused, the spirit turned them to stone, and they became the three peaks that we see today.
- The Legend of the Obsidian Trail: The Obsidian Trail is a popular hiking trail that leads through the Three Sisters Wilderness. According to legend, the trail was created by an ancient tribe of Native Americans who used obsidian to make their weapons and tools. The trail was said to lead to a sacred mountain where the tribe could obtain this volcanic glass, and it was guarded by a powerful spirit who protected the mountain and its resources.
- The Volcanic History: The Three Sisters are part of the Cascade Range, a volcanic mountain range that stretches from northern California to British Columbia. The Three Sisters were formed by volcanic activity that began about 2.5 million years ago, and the peaks are composed of a variety of volcanic rocks, including basalt, andesite, and rhyolite. The last major eruption of the Three Sisters occurred over 2,000 years ago, but the area remains geologically active and is closely monitored by scientists today.
These are just a few of the stories that surround the mountain range. Regardless of the myths and legends, the peaks remain a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the region.