Hiking the Broken Top Trail in Bend, Oregon
Hiking the Broken Top Trail in Bend, Oregon
Hiking the Broken Top Trail is a quintessential outdoor experience near Bend, Oregon. This stunning trail provides hikers with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding landscape. The trail is unique not just because of its scenic views but also due to its rich ecological diversity and geological history. Adventurers of all skill levels are drawn to Broken Top for its breathtaking vistas, making it a key destination for those seeking the perfect blend of challenge and beauty.
Adventure Guide To Hiking the Broken Top Trail
- Location: Broken Top Trailhead is located in the Three Sisters Wilderness, approximately 25 miles from Bend. The trail spans about 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 1,300 feet.
- What Makes It Special: The trail offers stunning views of the alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and vibrant wildflower meadows, especially during late summer. Hikers are rewarded with views of the crater of Broken Top, an extinct volcano, and can sometimes spot wildlife like deer and various bird species.
- Key Features: Along the way, the trail features rest areas, informative signage about local ecology, and opportunities for photography. Be sure to carry a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and unique rock formations.
Local Insights
The area around Broken Top has significant cultural heritage. The local Indigenous tribes, including the Deschutes and Warm Springs tribes, have lived in this region for thousands of years, and their connection to the land is evident. A visitor's respect for this heritage is fundamental when hiking through these sacred spaces.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Late June through early September is ideal for hiking, as wildflowers bloom during this period and snow melts off the trails.
- What to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sun protection: hat and sunscreen
- Plenty of water and snacks
- A map or GPS for additional navigation support
- Driving Directions: From Bend, take Highway 20 East for about 20 miles, then turn onto the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes and provides beautiful views along the way.
Enjoy a remarkable hiking adventure on the Broken Top Trail, where panoramic scenery meets history and culture.
Adventure Map
Bend Info
No GPX info
Reviews
Holden LeCroy3 years ago
Best view of the sisters! In the summer, you can take the road up to the parking area (although 4x4 or AWD is a must). After that, a decent hike up with gorgeous views of the volcanic landscape along the way. Once you’ve reached No Name Lake, keep going up the steep ridge line and once you reach the top the views are spectacular. Views of both Sisters, Mt. Washington and even Mt. Hood! After the hike, take a trip down to Bend for a burger and beer!
Yulia Konovnitsyna5 years ago
The hike:
About 6 mile round trip to the summit, 1400 feet elevation gain. You can get to the lake in 2 miles (4 round trip). It’s a bit steep in places but pretty moderate. Dog friendly!
The drive:
Road was “fixed” in June but it’s pretty rough. About 1 mile in from Todd Lake is when you hit a really rough patch with multiple foot-deep holes on both sides of the road. If you have a 4WD, you are good. If you have a 2WD and high clearance you should be fine too. But don’t try to go in your sedan because that may be too heroic.
My 2013 Toyota RAV4 made it fine. It was a bit scary - I’m not a casual off-roader. See the video I took on my return drive that shows how bad the road is. The remaining 4 miles are bumpy but relatively straightforward.
There is dispersed camping around mile 2-3 which had some epic views. Permit may be required (forms at trailhead).
Overall, this was a STUNNING hike and a fun, scenic drive. Lots of terrain changes, lovely overlooks, the lake is plain gorgeous and the extra 2 mile round trip to the summit of the crater is worth the hike. Enjoy!
Mira Akbar6 years ago
An absolutely gorgeous hike! The road up is a little rough, but nothing a 4 wheel drive can't handle. It's not too long at just over 5 miles, and the scenery is surprisingly varied. Forest, high desert, the lake, some small waterfalls, and and amazing view if you high North for about a half mile past the lake. Photos don't do justice for scale, at it was all much bigger than I expected.
Karleen Tapia2 years ago
I’ve lived in Bend my whole life and finally did this hike. It was definitely a long hike but worth it! Gotta keep in mind that there’s long uphills so prepare yourself for that if you aren’t much of a hiker.
Saw a mountain goat too which was awesome!
Scott Long3 years ago
The trailhead is already up in alpine terrain, so you don't have to hike far at all to access some of the most beautiful acreage in the area. The tradeoff is that the road is godawful and rather harrowing in a couple places.
I've seen passenger cars up there but there are a couples places on the road where no mistakes are allowed (if you get high centered you're f'd, though there is enough traffic on the road that somebody would come by and help you out but it would be a pretty crummy day)
