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Hike from Todd Lake to Green Lakes
A day hike from Todd Lake to Green Lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The trail meanders through alpine meadows and gives hikers fantastic views of Broken Top Mountain.
Directions: From Bend drive west about 25 miles on the Cascade Lakes Highway (Oregon Highway 46), when you see the sign for Todd Lake turn right. Continue about a half mile and park at the Todd Lake Trailhead.
The hike from Todd Lake to Green lakes is a great alternative to the Broken Top Trail because you do not need a high-clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead. After parking walk up the trail to the wilderness registration sign and the sign that marks the start of the Todd Lake Trail. You will turn right and start climbing the slope east of the lake. While climbing you will have some views of the lake, as well as the surrounding mountains so be sure to bring your camera. The trail will level off after about a mile and you will pass through some meadows, and from there you will have fantastic views of Broken Top and South Sister as you walk along the forested trail.
Todd Lake to Green Lakes Photo Gallery
View photo gallery of a hike from Todd Lake to Green Lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness.
After a mile or so the trail will cross Soda Creek and you will enter a basin that is south of Broken Top. The Soda Creek Trail will cross from the left at a junction that is well marked and you will continue straight ahead in the direction of Broken Top and Green Lakes. You will cross Crater Creek and start to climb toward Cayuse Crater which is a red cinder cone on the south ridge of Broken Top, and the trail will end at the junction with the Broken Top Trail. At the junction you will turn left and continue on to Green Lakes. The signage at the junctions along the trail are well marked, and you will want to go in the direction that points to Green Lakes.
Most of the hike into the Green Lakes is uphill, but does not involve real strenuous climbing, however what makes this a challenging hike is the total mileage involved which is about 12 miles round trip which is why I call this a difficult hike. Many people will backpack into the Green Lakes and camp overnight. We really wished we had been prepared for that as it was a beautiful area and would have been a great place to spend the night.
Permits: Day and overnight visitors entering the Three Sisters Wilderness are required to obtain a permit between Memorial Day and October 31. They are free of charge and must be self-issued at trailheads. One Exception: All visitors entering the Obsidian Limited Entry Area must obtain a limited entry permit from McKenzie River Ranger District (Willamette NF) or Sisters Ranger District (Deschutes NF).
You will find useful information on the Willamette National Forest and Three Sisters Wilderness at the U.S. Forest Service website.
Please note: The Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads on National Forests in Oregon and Washington. These passes are distinct from the wilderness permits. Go to the Recreation Passes & Permits page for more information on the Northwest Forest Pass, including cost and how to get a pass.
Map of parking area and Green Lakes.
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Oregon Hiking Guide
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Please note: The expanded Oregon hiking trail information is under construction. Links to descriptions of the trails listed on the links above should be completed by the end of July 2010. Thank you for your patience.
Oregon Hiking Trails
- Central Oregon Amateur Guide to Hiking Gives links to many Central Oregon hiking trails.
- Links and things to do on the Mckenzie River near Eugene, Sisters, and Bend Oregon Has many links on outdoor adventures in the Central Oregon area.
- Hiking in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho The public lands of Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho provide excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities, from high mountain peaks to desert canyons.
- LocalHikes.com Has great information on hiking trails near major U.S. cities, this link will take you to the Oregon section of their website.
- Day Trails.com Gives information on hiking and other outdoor activities in Oregon.
- TrailsNW.com Gives reviews and directions to several Oregon Hikes.
- Central Oregon Visitors Association Website gives directions to hikes in and near the Bend Oregon area.
- Slackpacker.com Provides organized access to informative Oregon hiking and backpacking websites.
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