Only two lookout buildings survive in the Three Sisters Wilderness—the cliff-edge hut at Rebel Rock and the well-preserved, unstaffed building here atop Olallie Mountain. This one has the better view, a panorama of the Three Sisters and eight other snowpeaks. The hike here is easier, too, through beargrass meadows that put on a spectacular summer flower show.  And if you’re into exploring, short side trips lead to a secret lake and the site of a former guard station. To find the trailhead, start by driving …

. . . Although the 14-foot-square building is abandoned, its glass windows are mostly intact, protected by openable shutters. The door is usually unlocked to allow backpackers to stay here on a first-come-first-served basis. The only furniture is an ancient chair and a rusting fire locator table, but the panoramic view is in perfect condition.

For a little variety on your return trip, consider . . .

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