Oregon · Hiking · Near Sisters

Ponderosa

3.7 mi
loop
197 ft
climb
5,404 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Ponderosa open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Deschutes National Forest. It doesn't name Ponderosa, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Deschutes National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ponderosa is a 3.7-mile loop hike in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest, within the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. The trail starts at about 5,400 feet and reaches a high point of 5,404 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 200 feet. The climb is moderate, and the steepest section comes at about 3.3 miles into the route, where the grade reaches about 8%. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Sunriver, about 8.5 miles away, show July highs around 84°F with lows near 41°F, and September highs near 76°F. That station sits roughly 1,200 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Several other trails and climbing spots sit close by. Lodgepole Loops and the Nordeen Snowshoe Tie are both within a tenth of a mile. Cougar Buttress, a climbing area, is about 3.7 miles off, and Three Creeks Lake Campground is roughly 9 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Todd Creek Horse Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 8.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Jia Asian Street Food

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Art Gallery Dyrk Godby

    Gallery

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Sisters

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Ponderosa

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 20°

    2. Feb

      43° / 21°

    3. Mar

      50° / 24°

    4. Apr

      57° / 25°

    5. May

      65° / 33°

    6. Jun

      72° / 37°

    7. Jul

      84° / 41°

    8. Aug

      83° / 40°

    9. Sep

      76° / 34°

    10. Oct

      62° / 28°

    11. Nov

      46° / 24°

    12. Dec

      37° / 19°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sunriver, OR, 8.5 mi away at 4,180 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.