The Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead provides access to the Tam McArthur Trail #4078 and Three Sisters Wilderness.
The Tam McArthur Rim Trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness shortly after leaving the trailhead. Wilderness permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from this trailhead.
We started at Three Creeks Trail and went counter clockwise on the Broken Top Loop trail, so I suppose we only came down Tam McArthur Rim Trail as opposed to doing it as an out-and-back, but it was a nice walk and I wouldn't say too difficult. There is some scree hiking--if you choose the west side--(the other side was more of a hard-packed trail), but even then it was okay. The views along the way are nice, but the views from the top are stunning; definitely try to make it to the top if you can! You can park at Three Creeks Lake and easily find the trailhead, and from there, the path is easy to follow (minus the one section where you have a choice to take, mentioned above). It's worth it as well to check out No Name Lake, which you'll see from the top if you make it that far. This trail is fairly exposed, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. Not buggy at all in mid-August. It's a beautiful place to hike.
Really challenging hike and beautiful views available all along the way up. There are multiple paths at the top-know where you're going/what you're comfortable with-some steep areas.
We did the whole 5 mile round trip. I recommend doing the entire hike because the view at the end of the trail ( highest point). Is really the pay-off. It was a good hike for a warm day because the trail has some shade and the altitude resulted in cooler temperatures than in Bend. The last 2.5 miles of the road to the trailhead is dirt road, but it wasn’t too bad in a regular sedan. Although there is no parking lot, you can park along the road as far as needed. I understand that in busy weekends other popular trails in the area run out of parking space.
This hike is moderate, but lengthy. Start early, and be sure you go later in the summer or early fall when snow will be gone. Enjoy incredible views that you cannot get from any other angle in Sisters or Bend.
This was the second time up this trail for me, and i was still captivated by the beauty at the top of this hike. 2.5 miles with a fairly steady ascent makes this a moderately challenging hike, though the path itself is very well maintained. Nice combination of shade and sun on the lower portion, gives way to direct sun on the second half. Recommend plenty of sunscreen and an early start, both for the temperature and the crowd. Will definitely do this one again!
