Updated August 2026: Green Lakes Trail is a roughly nine-mile out-and-back from the Green Lake/Soda Creek Trailhead west of Bend. The route follows Fall Creek into the Three Sisters Wilderness between South Sister and Broken Top, passing lava, small waterfalls and forest before reaching the lake basin.

From June 15 through October 15, quota-controlled day-use permits are required for entry at this trailhead, and a federal recreation pass is also required for parking. Snow can linger into late June, so a permit date does not guarantee summer trail conditions. Compare this hike with other routes in our Oregon hiking guide.

Green Lakes Trail quick facts

• Distance: About 9 miles round trip to the Green Lakes basin.
• Difficulty: Moderate, with sustained mileage, elevation and high-country conditions.
• Permit season: June 15 through October 15 for day use at Green Lake/Soda Creek Trailhead.
• Parking: A qualifying federal recreation pass is required.
• Dogs: Leash and physical-control rules apply July 15 through September 15.
• Camping: Use one of the designated Green Lakes campsites; overnight permits are separate from day-use permits.
• Fires: Prohibited above 5,700 feet, including the Green Lakes basin.

The Green Lakes Trail in Central Oregon

Just 27 miles west of Bend is where you'll find the trailhead to Green Lakes, as well as the Soda Lakes Trailhead. Two trails leave the parking area, so be sure to get onto the Green Lakes trail and not the Soda Creek Trail (though both trails offer up amazing hikes).

The Green Lakes Trail will lead you north, and follow Falls Creek to Green Lakes. It passes between Broken Top and South Sister, offering stunning up close views of both mountains, and then at the pass the trail turns from Green Lake Trail #17 into Green Lakes Trail #4070.

Along the way you can expect to cross over Falls Creek, and also to see several small but pretty waterfalls. Go early in the season to see rushing water in the falls.

Plan on about nine miles round trip to the basin and at least half a day for most hikers. Distance, elevation, creek crossings and lingering snow make “moderate” a minimum planning rating; winter or early-season travel is a different backcountry objective.

The most dependable hiking window is usually mid-summer through early autumn, but snow, wildfire closures and road access vary every year. Recreation.gov warns that the Cascade Lakes Highway and some trails may remain snow-covered into mid or late June. Check TripCheck and Deschutes National Forest alerts before using a reserved permit.

Can I take my dog on Green Lakes Trail? Yes, but dogs must be leashed and under physical control from July 15 through September 15 on Green Lakes Trail and in the management area. The Forest Service order provides a narrow exception while a dog is actively swimming or cooling off; it is not an off-leash exemption for the rest of the route.

What is the most difficult part of this hike? Many consider the most difficult climb on the trail to be the last mile to the lake.

For a detailed account of the trail itself, we recommend checking out this link.

What You Need To Know About Hiking The Green Lakes Trail

Wilderness restrictions apply along this trail and in the area. You can read more about those restrictions here.

There is a vault toilet at the trailhead, but no bathrooms along the trail. You'll need to plan accordingly.

What should I take on my hike of the Green Lakes Trail? We highly recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses along with sunscreen. While some areas of the trail are shaded, many areas are wide open with no shade available. There is no water available at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water for your hike, and keep extra water at your vehicle for the way home. You should also bring some healthy snacks or a meal to eat along the way. Bug spray is essential to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Do I need a wilderness permit for Green Lakes Trail? A quota-controlled Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit is required for entry at Green Lake/Soda Creek Trailhead from June 15 through October 15. The permit is valid only for the named date, trailhead and trip leader. Overnight trips require the appropriate overnight wilderness permit. A Northwest Forest Pass, National Forest Recreation Day Pass or accepted interagency pass is also required at the trailhead.

Inside the Green Lakes Management Area, camp only at one of the 22 designated sites, remain within the posted campsite boundary and do not build a fire. There are no toilets or garbage service in the basin; carry out all trash and dispose of human and pet waste correctly.

Read the latest Forest Service trail information, then continue planning with our Oregon hiking guide and trail map.