Unnamed Glacial Lake in Oregon, Accessible via A Picturesque Hiking Path, Boasts Stunning Turquoise Waters
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, the Three Sisters Wilderness offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. One such destination is the Broken Top Trail, a popular hiking route located about 30 miles west of the city of Bend.
From late July through October, the Todd Ridge Trail, an alternative route to No Name Lake, becomes accessible. This trail offers a less-crowded, more satisfying route for adventurous and energetic hikers. The trail begins in a deep pine forest and climbs from Todd Lake to No Name Lake and Broken Top, covering a distance of 15.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 2,880 feet.
The Broken Top Trail, on the other hand, forms a 22.8-mile loop around the Broken Top volcano. It features viridian alpine lakes, including the "lonesome" No Name Lake at mile 5.4. The trail is well-maintained and offers breathtaking Cascadian views, including Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters peaks. However, the initial climb is a steep 1,800-foot ascent, making it potentially strenuous.
For those seeking a shorter and more direct approach to No Name Lake, the Todd Trail is an attractive alternative. This route offers a steep ascent and a scenic approach to the blue No Name Lake near the summit area of Broken Top. While it requires good fitness and experience due to its steep gain and less maintained trail conditions, it provides a shorter and more direct route compared to the longer Broken Top Loop, with the added bonus of access to Bend Glacier views.
Another option is the Gable Lakes Trail and off-trail routes. This path requires advanced route-finding skills, use of topo maps, and comfort with scrambling and unmarked terrain. It offers solitude, fewer hikers, and a more rugged wilderness experience, but comes with the risk of rockfall in some sections.
Regardless of the chosen route, a wilderness permit is required to hike Broken Top Trail, and arriving at the trailhead early (before 8AM) is suggested to secure a parking spot, which costs $5 unless a Northwest Forest Pass is possessed (available for $30 annually).
Central Oregon, located in the western United States, is known for its high desert vistas, pine forests, rocky river gorges, and snow-capped volcanic peaks. It's a west coast destination for fun fall outdoor adventures, with No Name Lake, rimmed by boulders, snowfields, and the jagged, 9,177-foot rise of Broken Top, being a highlight. The Todd Ridge Trail pays off with even more variety of landscape, featuring craggy peaks, alpine meadows, ice and snow, patches of forest, and offers some of the best views that Oregon has on tap.
Whether you choose the well-established Broken Top Trail or the less-crowded Todd Ridge Trail and its alternative routes, you're in for a memorable hiking experience in the heart of the Cascades.
- To explore the diverse landscapes of Central Oregon, consider using travel guides to plan your adventures, as they can help navigate trail options such as the Broken Top Trail, the Todd Ridge Trail, or more rugged routes like the Gable Lakes Trail.
- For those who enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Central Oregon's lifestyle and home-and-garden scenes offer a unique blend of outdoor adventure, from hiking to hiking with a view of the Bend Glacier, while the Todd Ridge Trail and alternative routes provide a less-crowded, more challenging hiking experience in the heart of the Cascades.
