Green Ridge Trail (#4025) runs 11.6 miles along a volcanic ridgeline 2,000 feet above the Metolius River valley in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest. Following a 2020 wildfire, the Forest Service rerouted the trail to the west side of the ridge, creating improved views but also exposing hikers to more aggressive brush regrowth. This is a trail for solitude-seekers willing to trade convenience for sweeping Cascade vistas—expect to see Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the entire Metolius Basin from multiple viewpoints along the ridge.
The trail appeals to backpackers who prioritize lightweight skills and self-sufficiency over water availability. With zero natural water sources on the ridge, you'll carry every drop for the entire trip. The reward is a lightly-traveled ridgeline experience through open ponderosa pine and true fir forests dotted with wildflower meadows, where you're more likely to encounter deer and elk than other hikers.
Post-fire recovery is ongoing. Manzanita and ceanothus (snow brush) are reclaiming burned areas aggressively, creating brushy sections that narrow the trail. Maintenance crews periodically clear downed trees, but expect some blowdown and route-finding challenges, particularly if you're hiking early in the season.
No wilderness permits or quotas required. Green Ridge Trail lies within Deschutes National Forest but outside the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness boundaries that require Central Cascades Wilderness permits.
Standard Deschutes National Forest dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 200 feet from water sources (moot on this dry ridge), trails, and roads. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally—check current forest orders before your trip, as fire bans are common during summer and fall. Bear canisters are not required, but proper food storage is mandatory. Group size limits follow standard forest regulations (typically 12 people maximum).
Contact Sisters Ranger District at (541) 549-7700 for current conditions and restrictions.
Late June through October offers the most reliable access. Forest Road 11 and connecting roads typically close in winter due to snow, with seasonal gates remaining locked until spring snowmelt.
Summer (July-September): Optimal window with dry trails, wildflowers peaking in July, and full access. Temperatures are moderate at elevation (5,000-5,500 feet), though exposed ridgeline sections can be hot during midday. The Green Ridge Lookout is staffed by Forest Service volunteers during summer, making it unavailable for rental but adding a human element to the remote ridgeline.
Shoulder seasons (May-June, October-November): Snow patches linger above 4,500 feet into late May and return by late October. Early season hikers report numerous unridable/unwalkable snow patches requiring navigation around or through. Roads may require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. October brings fall colors to the aspen groves and cooler temperatures, but also shorter days and unpredictable weather.
Winter (December-April): Road closures make vehicle access impossible. Winter backcountry access would require snowshoeing or skiing from much lower elevations, adding significant mileage.
Water availability is the defining challenge of this trail. Multiple trip reports confirm zero water sources along the entire ridgeline. Plan for a complete dry carry.
Water strategy: Fill completely at the Metolius River before ascending to the ridge. The nearest reliable water is in the Metolius River valley, accessible from Forest Road 1490 or campgrounds near Camp Sherman. Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery (3 miles into Metolius River Road) offers another fill point before the climb. Calculate 2-3 liters per person per day minimum, more in hot weather or if planning longer mileage.
Resupply: Sisters (15 miles from Camp Sherman) is the nearest full-service town with grocery stores, outdoor shops, restaurants, and lodging. Camp Sherman itself has very limited services—essentially a small store and nearby campgrounds. No mail drop services readily available.
Camping water note: If camping along the trail, your total water carry must include cooking, cleaning, and morning hydration before returning to the Metolius valley or reaching your vehicle.
Water scarcity: Cannot be overstated. Miscalculating water needs on this trail is potentially dangerous, especially in hot weather.
Navigation challenges: The trail intersects numerous doubletrack forest roads and ATV routes. Yellow trail markers guide you, but a GPS track or detailed map is strongly recommended. Post-fire rerouting means older maps may show incorrect trail alignment—the current route follows the west side of the ridge.
Fire damage and blowdown: The 2020 Green Ridge Fire burned along the entire trail corridor. While the Forest Service rerouted to less-damaged areas, expect standing dead snags that pose windfall hazards during storms. Maintenance crews clear periodically, but fresh blowdown can block the trail between maintenance cycles.
Brushy overgrowth: Manzanita and ceanothus regrowth is aggressive in burned areas. Some sections feature "healthy manzanita (read brushy!)" that narrows the trail and can be scratchy. Pants recommended over shorts.
Exposure: The ridgeline is exposed to weather and lightning during afternoon thunderstorms. No quick escape routes exist once you're committed to the ridge. Monitor weather forecasts and start early to avoid afternoon storm buildups.
Wildlife: Black bears, deer, and elk are common. Black bears are not typically aggressive but require proper food storage. Cougar sightings are possible. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife.
Road access: Forest roads can be rough. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and 4WD may be necessary during shoulder seasons or after wet weather.
Nearest airport: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), approximately 50-55 minutes (36 miles) from Camp Sherman area.
From Sisters (20 miles west of Camp Sherman): - Take US Highway 20 west from Sisters for 5.5 miles to Forest Road 11 at Indian Ford Campground turnoff - Turn right (north) on Forest Road 11 - Drive 4.3 miles to a sharp right turn - Instead of turning right, continue straight (left) onto Forest Road 1120 - Follow FR 1120 for 0.5 miles (bumpy dirt/cinder road) - Trailhead parking on left, trail access on right
Northern trailhead (Green Ridge Lookout): Continue on FR 11 approximately 10 miles to pavement end at FR 1150 junction. Take left fork on FR 1150 to FR 1154. Turn left on FR 1154, continue to FR 1140. Turn left on FR 1140, then sharp right onto spur road 600. Follow 600 approximately 0.5 miles to lookout parking.
Parking: Free at both trailheads. Space is limited—arrive early on summer weekends.
Shuttle services: Cog Wild (Bend-based) offers mountain bike shuttles to Deschutes National Forest trailheads May-October under Forest Service permit, though Green Ridge Trail is not a standard route. Private shuttle arrangements may be possible. No established backpacker shuttle service exists for this trail.
Water carry strategy: Carry a 3-liter reservoir plus backup bottles. Fill to absolute capacity before leaving the Metolius valley. Consider caching water at your vehicle for post-hike rehydration.
Lookout rental alternative: Green Ridge Lookout rents for $40/night (maximum 4 people) during non-staffed periods (early May-June and mid-September to mid-November). Reserve through Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. The lookout includes propane appliances, futon, and unmatched views—an excellent base for day-hiking sections of the trail without full backpacking gear. Call Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) one week before arrival for gate combination.
Trail direction: Hiking south-to-north (starting from FR 1120 trailhead) offers earlier views and gentler elevation profile. The northern section near the lookout provides the most dramatic vistas.
Camping spots: The 3 established campsites along the route are not well-documented. Scout for flat areas in open forest away from trail and roads. Ridge camping exposes you to wind—bring stakes that hold in rocky/sandy soil.
Early starts: Begin hiking early to avoid afternoon heat on exposed sections and reduce thunderstorm risk. Morning light on Mount Jefferson from the ridge is spectacular.
Post-hike: The Metolius River area offers excellent camping at developed campgrounds (Riverside, Camp Sherman, Lower Bridge) with direct river access. Consider spending a night there to recover and explore the headwaters area, which are fed by massive springs rather than snowmelt.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk ridgeline hiking offers best chances to spot elk and deer in meadow areas. Bring binoculars for distant Cascade peak viewing and wildlife watching.
GPS tracks: Download a current GPS track before your trip. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent on the ridge.
Fire recovery viewing: The post-fire ecology is fascinating—note how different species are recolonizing. Wildflower blooms have been exceptional in burned areas, particularly lupine, fireweed, and penstemon.
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