Green Ridge Trail (#4025) is an 11.6-mile route along a volcanic ridgeline 2,000 feet above the Metolius River valley in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest. After a 2020 wildfire, the Forest Service rerouted the trail to the west side of the ridge, which improved the views but also put hikers in the path of aggressive brush regrowth. The trade here is convenience for scenery and quiet: multiple viewpoints along the ridge look out at Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the entire Metolius Basin.
The trail suits backpackers who value lightweight skills and self-sufficiency over easy water. There are zero natural water sources on the ridge, so you carry every drop for the entire trip. In exchange you get a lightly traveled ridgeline through open ponderosa pine and true fir forest broken up by wildflower meadows, where deer and elk are more common than other hikers.
Post-fire recovery is ongoing. Manzanita and ceanothus (snow brush) are reclaiming burned areas quickly, and the brushy sections narrow the trail. Maintenance crews periodically clear downed trees, but expect some blowdown and route-finding, particularly early in the season.
No wilderness permits or quotas are 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 by season, and fire bans are common during summer and fall, so check current forest orders before your trip. 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 is the most reliable access window. Forest Road 11 and connecting roads typically close in winter due to snow, and the seasonal gates stay locked until spring snowmelt.
Summer (July-September): The best window, with dry trails, wildflowers peaking in July, and full road access. Temperatures are moderate at elevation (5,000-5,500 feet), though the exposed ridgeline sections can be hot at midday. Forest Service volunteers staff the Green Ridge Lookout during summer, so it cannot be rented then, but the staffed tower is one of the few signs of people on the ridge.
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 snow patches that cannot be ridden or walked across and have to be worked around or through. Roads may require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. October brings fall color 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 climbing to the ridge. The nearest reliable water is in the Metolius River valley, accessible from Forest Road 1490 or the campgrounds near Camp Sherman. Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery (3 miles into Metolius River Road) is another fill point before the climb. Plan on 2-3 liters per person per day minimum, more in hot weather or for 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 are readily available.
Camping water note: If camping along the trail, your total water carry must cover cooking, cleaning, and morning hydration before you get back to the Metolius valley or your vehicle.
Water scarcity: The central risk on this trail. Miscalculating water needs here is potentially dangerous, especially in hot weather.
Navigation challenges: The trail crosses numerous doubletrack forest roads and ATV routes. Yellow trail markers guide you, but a GPS track or detailed map is strongly recommended. Because of the post-fire rerouting, 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. The Forest Service rerouted through less-damaged areas, but standing dead snags remain a windfall hazard during storms. Maintenance crews clear periodically, and fresh blowdown can block the trail between maintenance cycles.
Brushy overgrowth: Manzanita and ceanothus regrow aggressively in burned areas. Some sections have "healthy manzanita (read brushy!)" that narrows the trail and scratches. Pants are a better choice than shorts.
Exposure: The ridgeline is open to weather and lightning during afternoon thunderstorms, and there are no quick escape routes once you commit to the ridge. Watch the forecast and start early to beat 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 the 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 the 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 the end of the pavement at the FR 1150 junction. Take the 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 the lookout parking.
Parking: Free at both trailheads. Space is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends.
Shuttle services: Cog Wild, based in Bend, runs 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, filled 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 has propane appliances, a futon, and the best views on the ridge, and it works well as a base for day-hiking sections of the trail without full backpacking gear. Call Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) one week before arrival for the gate combination.
Trail direction: Hiking south-to-north (starting from the FR 1120 trailhead) brings earlier views and a gentler elevation profile. The northern section near the lookout has 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 the trail and roads. Ridge camping means wind, so bring stakes that hold in rocky and sandy soil.
Early starts: Begin hiking early to avoid afternoon heat on exposed sections and to reduce thunderstorm risk. Morning light on Mount Jefferson from the ridge is worth the alarm clock.
Post-hike: The Metolius River area has excellent developed campgrounds (Riverside, Camp Sherman, Lower Bridge) with direct river access. A night there afterward gives you time to recover and see the headwaters, which are fed by massive springs rather than snowmelt.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk on the ridgeline give the best chances of spotting elk and deer in the meadow areas. Bring binoculars for the distant Cascade peaks and for wildlife.
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 worth paying attention to; different species are recolonizing at different rates. Wildflower blooms have been exceptional in the burned areas, particularly lupine, fireweed, and penstemon.
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