Green Lakes Trail

The place

Why Green Lakes Trail is worth the stop

Green Lakes Trail is a Cascade day hike from the Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead toward alpine lakes between South Sister and Broken Top. The featured route is an out-and-back on the signed Green Lakes path, not a Broken Top or No Name Lake itinerary.

The trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness. A Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit is required during the regulated season, currently listed as June 15 through October 15 on Recreation.gov. A recreation pass may also be required for parking.

What the experience feels like

Expect a sustained climb beside Fall Creek before the open basin. Snow, creek crossings, mosquitoes, altitude, and wildfire smoke can change the day even when the permit is in hand. A seasonal vault toilet is typically available at the trailhead; verify current status.

Do not treat this page as a live permit dashboard. Reserve and confirm on Recreation.gov before leaving Bend. Dogs must follow current Deschutes National Forest and wilderness rules.

This planning page is the trail-facts URL. The That Oregon Life Green Lakes article remains the longer Bend-area story.

From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this trail.

Know before you go

Practical trail information

Distance

9 mi round trip

Difficulty

Moderate

Route type

Out and back

Elevation gain

1,200 feet

Trailhead

Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead

Parking

Use the signed Green Lakes/Soda Creek trailhead and verify seasonal Central Cascades permit requirements.

Permit

A Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit is required during the regulated season.

Fees

A recreation pass may be required for parking; the wilderness permit has its own reservation rules.

Dogs

Dogs must follow current Deschutes National Forest and wilderness rules; carry waste out and leash when required.

Restrooms

A seasonal vault toilet is typically available at the trailhead; verify current facility status.

Best season

Typically a snow-free-season hike; day-use permits are required from June 15 through October 15, and snow, fire, or wilderness restrictions can affect access.

Key hazards

Snow, creek crossings, altitude, mosquitoes, wildfire smoke, and limited permit availability shape this hike.

No star ratings

Why this is rated moderate

The moderate rating reflects 9 mi round trip with more effort, uneven tread, or access rules than a short developed walk. Match the group to the official route, not just the number on the card.