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Broken Top: Northwest Ridge via Green Lakes Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
12.21 mi
3,721 ft
A ridge hike and scramble to an impressive summit in the Three Sisters Wilderness.
*Note: this route gets a "Moderate" Mountaineering difficulty rating.* Broken Top is a volcanic mountain in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It sits in the shadow of the Three Sisters themselves, not as tall but still impressive with it’s craggy slopes and jagged summit. There are multiple ways to climb it, but the northwest ridge is the easiest route and considered the standard. It’s popular for beginning mountaineers and for Cascades peakbaggers of all levels. The route mapped here begins from Green Lakes trailhead. From there, it’s a pleasant hike on a popular trail to the lakes, through forest and fields with good views toward the mountain. There are campsites at the lakes, but they’re in high demand with backpackers so it may be hard to get (see information about permits below). Most climbers choose to simply do this route in a day from the trailhead. Once at the lakes, continue along the north shore of the first lake to find the climbers trail heading up the mountain. This eventually gains the northwest ridge at a saddle, and a visible path continues upward from there, through black talus and broken outcrops along the increasingly airy ridge. Everything is rather straightforward hiking until the crux, which comes at a basalt band about 10 feet in height, requiring easy 5th Class moves to get through it. Confident climbers will not think twice here, but parties with less experienced members may want a rope and light rack for protection. Above there, a series of ledges and gullies lead the rest of the way to the summit. The moves through these sections are easier than the basalt band, but come with more exposure. In early season, snow and possibly ice can factor in as well. The summit is not very big, and is covered in odd-sized blocks, so it’s comfortable for only a few people at a time. Take the chance to move around and peer off every side of this impressive summit. You can see into the crater and over the mountain’s two small glaciers. The Three Sisters arc away to the north, and Mount Bachelor rises directly south. Descent is by the same route, taking extra caution of loose rock and of climbers below. Note: The Forest Service is implementing a new permit system in 2021, which affects access to Broken Top. Be sure to review the [updated information online]( because you will need to plan ahead to reserve your permit. Sources: Written by Jesse Weber
*Note: this route gets a "Moderate" Mountaineering difficulty rating.* Broken Top is a volcanic mountain in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It sits in the shadow of the Three Sisters themselves, not as tall but still impressive with it’s craggy slopes and jagged summit. There are multiple ways to climb it, but the northwest ridge is the easiest route and considered the standard. It’s popular for beginning mountaineers and for Cascades peakbaggers of all levels. The route mapped here begins from Green Lakes trailhead. From there, it’s a pleasant hike on a popular trail to the lakes, through forest and fields with good views toward the mountain. There are campsites at the lakes, but they’re in high demand with backpackers so it may be hard to get (see information about permits below). Most climbers choose to simply do this route in a day from the trailhead. Once at the lakes, continue along the north shore of the first lake to find the climbers trail heading up the mountain. This eventually gains the northwest ridge at a saddle, and a visible path continues upward from there, through black talus and broken outcrops along the increasingly airy ridge. Everything is rather straightforward hiking until the crux, which comes at a basalt band about 10 feet in height, requiring easy 5th Class moves to get through it. Confident climbers will not think twice here, but parties with less experienced members may want a rope and light rack for protection. Above there, a series of ledges and gullies lead the rest of the way to the summit. The moves through these sections are easier than the basalt band, but come with more exposure. In early season, snow and possibly ice can factor in as well. The summit is not very big, and is covered in odd-sized blocks, so it’s comfortable for only a few people at a time. Take the chance to move around and peer off every side of this impressive summit. You can see into the crater and over the mountain’s two small glaciers. The Three Sisters arc away to the north, and Mount Bachelor rises directly south. Descent is by the same route, taking extra caution of loose rock and of climbers below. Note: The Forest Service is implementing a new permit system in 2021, which affects access to Broken Top. Be sure to review the [updated information online]( because you will need to plan ahead to reserve your permit. Sources: Written by Jesse Weber
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| TH to South Green Lake trail junction | 4.44 mi | 1,106 ft | 4.7% |
| Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Climb | 0.79 mi | 210 ft | 5.1% |
| Forest Service Road 380 Climb | 1.32 mi | 466 ft | 6.7% |
| Forest Service Road 380 Climb | 0.40 mi | 148 ft | 6.9% |
| Forest Service Road 380 Climb | 2.05 mi | 2,605 ft | 24.0% |
| Green Lakes to Trailhead | 3.13 mi | -840 ft | -5.1% |