Obsidian Trail

Trailhead to the lava field (0 to about 3 mi). The trail climbs gently through forest east of Highway 242. About 3 miles in, you cross an impressive lava field of deep red and black rock with the Sisters looming ahead.

Up to the PCT (about 3 to 4.5 mi). Past the lava, the trail continues climbing to a fork. Most hikers take the right fork toward the Pacific Crest Trail; the left fork, the steep Glacier Way Trail, makes a good descent route. About 1.7 miles up the right fork, the trail joins the PCT.

Obsidian Falls and Sister Spring. Turn left (north) on the PCT and you'll soon see 20-foot Obsidian Falls, often lined with wildflowers in summer. Sister Spring, just beyond, bursts from the base of North Sister and makes a scenic lunch stop. This is the heart of the Obsidian Limited Entry Area, where hillsides glitter with volcanic glass.

Closing the loop (about 7 to 12 mi). Continue north on the PCT about 1.2 miles past the springs. Around 7 miles into the hike, watch for the Glacier Way junction (it's easy to miss), follow it 0.7 miles back to the Obsidian Trail, then walk about 3.5 miles back to the trailhead.

Central Cascades Wilderness Permit: required for both day use and overnight use at this trailhead from June 15 to October 15. Reserve on Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Permits are released on the first Tuesday of April and are valid only for the date and trailhead listed. Obsidian has been limited-entry since 1995, one of the first places in Oregon with a quota, and it's credited with saving the area from being loved to death.

Parking: a Northwest Forest Pass or other valid recreation pass is required at the Obsidian Trailhead, in addition to the permit.

In the wilderness: there are no facilities inside the Limited Entry Area. Practice Leave No Trace: pack out all trash and dispose of human and pet waste properly. Leave the obsidian where it lies, too. The area holds deep cultural history, and every shard helps tell it. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, picnic tables and hitching posts.

From the Highway 126 junction near McKenzie Bridge, drive about 17 miles up Highway 242 to Forest Road 250 and the Obsidian Trailhead. From the McKenzie Pass summit, go about 6 miles west and turn left (east) into the trailhead.

Season: Highway 242 closes to vehicles every winter. The 2026 closure began November 5, and the highway usually reopens in mid-June. Snow often lingers on the upper trail into early summer. Check TripCheck and call the ranger station before you go.

Few day hikes pack this much volcano into one loop: lava rivers, a glittering glass plateau, a spring pouring straight out of a mountain, and a waterfall with a wildflower fringe. The quota means you share it with only a handful of other hikers. Plan ahead, grab your permit in April, and you'll earn a day most Oregon hikers only hear about.