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Sisters

The town of Sisters had its start as a humble Post Office surrounded by a handful of small log and wood frame buildings in 1880’s. The Post Office had moved from its location at Camp Polk several miles north of the current town site. A man named John Smith owned the building and he asked the locals to submit possible names for the new township. The name “Sisters” was submitted to reflect the nearby mountains named Faith, Hope, and Charity (collectively known as Three Sisters). The name was adopted and the town has survived two big fires, the decline of the logging and mill industry, and the rise and fall of farming to become what it is today.

Sisters has maintained a distinctive western feel that reflects its heritage and the local ranching which is still a very important part of the local economy. The town has storefronts that are reminiscent of 1800’s western border towns and is host to the popular Sisters Rodeo that draws talent and spectators from all over the country. Tourism is now an important part of the local economy here and many who live here make their living offering lodging, shopping, food, and entertainment to travelers from both near and far. Many artists have made this area their home for the beauty and relative quite that it offers. The artist influence is clear to see throughout the Sisters and events such as the Sisters Quilt Show have gained significant notoriety.

The area surrounding Sisters is widely regarded as some of the most beautiful and rugged country in Central Oregon. It is nestled along the base of the Cascade Mountains and the impressive silhouette of the Three Sisters Mountains cut the western horizon. Dense stands of Ponderosa pine quickly give way to fir and cedar trees as one travels west over the McKenzie Pass. Several creeks and rivers are nearby including the world-renowned Metolius River, which literally springs right out of the ground as a full-fledged crystal clear river.

Living here can take many forms. Ranch and farming properties dominate the surrounding area, but in the recent years there has been a trend of residential and town home development in an attempt to meet the growing demand for retirement and vacation properties. Despite the development Sisters has not lost its charm or appeal to locals and travelers alike.