FKT: Emily Keddie - Broken Top-South Sister (BTSS) (OR) - 2024-10-10

Athletes
Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
5h 45m 30s
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Relaxed start time. Went for the Broken Top ascent FKT first, which obviously crushed my legs a bit in those first 6.5 miles, but decided to continue with the longer FKT as well because I was a good amount ahead of the time. I’ve spent enough time on these trails in these mountains that I can fairly accurately estimate times when I’m moving faster or slower and it seemed like a good way to spend my daytime hours anyway. 
I descended via the ridge, instead of the scree, as specified in the route description. I usually don’t do this as the scree is much quicker but it also eats your shoes; however there is a lot more opportunity for awful falls when trying to move quickly down the ridge. 
Crossing the Green Lakes zone was fine, just did not cut across any trials and make sure to mind trail closures. This area is heavily used so it’s best to stay on trails and this route followed trails so, I did the same. 
The east climb to south sister isn’t super fun. It’s exposed and easy to lose the track, especially halfway up and beyond. I ended up off trail but definitely added a small amour of mileage, found the trail and was soon at Lewis tarn. Nothing notable going up, tagged the south summit and descended past the tarn down toward Moraine Lake. 
*********the trails used to descend to moraine that have previously been used for this FKT are not open any longer. There are 3 trails that are closed for environmental rehab, posted by the forest service for multiple years now, with very clear signs. Therefore, I went to the first available trail to descend to Moraine, to the southwest of the lake descending to campsites #1-3. Then I turned north and descended to the lake, ran around it, and met up with the OG route. It added at least a mile but there are no other current options. 

No blowdown on the remainder. The trail connecting Moraine to green lakes trail is so pleasant and houses my favorite hidden spot for a backcountry rave.