3 sisters loop or timberline loop

[FishfinderAK]

Hello
My son and I are planning on hike 1 of these 2 loops the first week of July. I read the timberline loop aroun Hood is"officially" open again.
Has anyone hiked both of these loops? Which do you recommend as far as scenery, solitude, bugs, and challenge.
Also considering the above avg snow pack so far this year, would one be better than the other?
Thank you so much for any advice!

 

[jay.c.broad]

I'm also considering doing one of these two this summer. Haven't hiked either yet so I can't contribute much other than with the snow this year 3 sisters is probably the safer pick.

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[Yvonne]

I'm heading out into the same area end of July. But I plan to do Green Lakes and Broken Top instead of the entire Sisters loop

 

[fiber]

I have done the Three Sisters loop before. If you push hard it can be done in 3 days, 4 is recommended. Make sure you get a permit for the obsidian limited entry area if you plan on camping in the area. Part of the trail goes through it. We all know how hard it is to plan exactly where you will camp each night, so its best to just get the permit then you do not have to push through the area if your travel itinerary changes a little.

There will not be as much water as you might expect along the trail. When I did it there was a running stream every 3-5 miles. Keep that in mind when you plan your camping spot.

The Three Sisters loop is not hard and people ride it on horses. Near the major trail heads there will be a good amount of people, but a few miles away from you'll find solitude . A good side trip is to climb Middle Sister. No technical gear needed, just a lot of boulder hopping.

 

[FishfinderAK]

Hi fiber
What time of the year did you backpack 3 sisters? Much snow on the trail? How were the bugs.
THANKS