Green Lakes
via fall creek
Green Lakes trail is one of the most popular day hike and backpacking destinations in Central Oregon, and for good reason. This hike can be accessed from various different trailheads (Soda Springs TH, Todd Lake, Park Meadow and Moraine Lake), however the most popular is the official Green Lakes/Soda Creek trailhead right off of the Cascade Lakes Highway, only 26 miles west of Bend. The parking lot is large, but even so, if you get there after 10am on a weekend, you will have a hard time finding parking. If the parking lot is full, a lot of people park on the shoulder of the Cascade Lakes Highway, but you are technically not allowed to do so and you do risk getting a ticket. Make sure you hang up your annual Northwest Forest Pass, or that you have purchased a $5 parking ticket at the parking area.
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The first 2.1 miles of the hike are through the forest along the banks of Fall Creek. You will see Fall Creek Falls about .5 miles into the hike. These falls are generally raging, especially early in the season, since Fall Creek is fed by the three Green Lakes, and the glaciers that melt into them. At the 2.1 mile mark, you will see a sign to Moraine Lake to the left. If you wanted to make this a longer day, or if Green Lakes is already too crowded for backpacking, one could hike the 2.5 miles over to Moraine Lake and camp there.
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(Fall Creek Falls)
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(Fall Creek next to the lava flow)
(the first of the Green Lakes and Broken Top)
The next 2.3 miles start heading uphill a bit more, including a few switchbacks. Shortly after the Moraine Lake trail split, you will cross Fall Creek, and the next few miles take you along the right side of the creek, with a huge lava flow on the left side. In mid-July you will see beautiful wildflowers starting to bloom here. After the 2.3 miles you will come to the first Green Lake on the right. Here there is another trail split along with a sign that tells you about the designated camping sites.
(Click picture to enlarge the map)
There are a total of 28 designated campsites in the Green Lakes Management area, and if you decide to camp within this boundary, you MUST camp at one of these sites. The sites are marked by a post that has the campsite number on it. Do not make your own campsite, as this area is extremely fragile and please adhere to the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
If you continue straight at the sign, you will see many of the campsites, as well as beautiful swimming spots. If you cross the creek connecting the two lakes, you will head around the big Green Lake. (You can also take the Broken Top trail and connect the two hikes, making it into a 14 mile loop coming back via the Soda Creek trail, ending up at the same parking lot that you started at. ).
If you continue straight at the sign, you will see many of the campsites, as well as beautiful swimming spots. If you cross the creek connecting the two lakes, you will head around the big Green Lake. (You can also take the Broken Top trail and connect the two hikes, making it into a 14 mile loop coming back via the Soda Creek trail, ending up at the same parking lot that you started at. ).
(the second of the Green Lakes and South Sister)
If you head to the right, the trail will take you around the eastern side of the largest of the three Green Lakes. On this side you will also find a few of the other designated camp sites.
(the third of the Green Lakes)
The third of the Green Lakes is the best one for swimming because it is deep and has a shoreline that you can jump off of. Even though this lake doesn't have a view of Broken Top or South Sister, it is more secluded than the other two and also has some more private camping spots.
(If you were to continue on the Green Lakes trail, and if you want to hike to a more private camping spot and don't mind hiking roughly 5 more miles than you've already hiked, you can head up to Golden Lake).
(If you were to continue on the Green Lakes trail, and if you want to hike to a more private camping spot and don't mind hiking roughly 5 more miles than you've already hiked, you can head up to Golden Lake).
(Green Lakes flood basin and South Sister)
If you are on a day hike, you don't want to miss heading all the way around the lakes. The trail becomes washed out the farther out into the flood basin you get. From here you can see vast views of South Sister, Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top. This is not an official trail, but if you stay along the side of South Sister, and continue heading south, you will get back to Green Lakes.
(Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor)
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At the flanks of South Sister you will see the spring that feeds the lakes erupting out of the side of the mountain. It is pretty neat to see. The farther on you go, the more the trail becomes elusive through all the large rocks. Stay as close as you can to the side of the mountain, and all of a sudden you will come to a huge waterfall that is formed by one of the many streams coming off the Lewis Glacier. Once you get to the waterfall, you will follow the stream
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(springs)
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down to where it meets the largest of the Green Lakes. Here you will have to cross some water. There is usually some wood and rocks placed here for easy crossing. Cross the creek, and you will again be on the main trail and on your way back to the car.
Overall, this is a must-do hike for a reason. The terrain is not very difficult, there is not much elevation gain, and you get the best of both worlds, mountain views and alpine lakes! This is a hike that any age and fitness level can easily and safely do, provided you take it slow, and it is perfect if you are a beginner backpacker wanting to try out a short trip. Keep in mind, this area is extremely busy on the weekends, so if you can go during the week, please do so. The later in the season you go (late August/September/October) there will be less mosquitoes, which are in heavy swarms during most of the month of July. But don't let that deter you if that is the only time you can go, just come prepared with bug spray.
Approximate hike time: 4 hours 50 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Suggested hiking season: Mid-July through mid-October
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: Drive 26 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. After you see the turn off for Sparks Lake, keep your eyes open for the Green Lakes Trail parking lots on the right. On summer weekends this trail is extremely popular so the parking lot is often full. You can park on the shoulder of the highway.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
Suggested hiking season: Mid-July through mid-October
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: Drive 26 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. After you see the turn off for Sparks Lake, keep your eyes open for the Green Lakes Trail parking lots on the right. On summer weekends this trail is extremely popular so the parking lot is often full. You can park on the shoulder of the highway.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.