At first the summit of flat-topped Lowder Mountain seems like any other forest-rimmed meadow. Only when you venture to the wind-bent trees on its eastern side do you discover the mountain’s monumental cliffs. Two lakes shimmer nearly 1000 feet below. And beyond, the Three Sisters loom like great white ghosts. From Springfield, follow . . .

Romantic souls sometimes camp atop Lowder Mountain to watch the Three Sisters burn red in the sunset.  Tent sites abound, but bring any water you might need.

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Central Oregon Cascades