The Bend area has a dazzling array of amazing hikes, many of them in the Cascades Lakes area just west of town. This post will describe one of our favorites, a Green Lakes hike near Bend that is an epic and quintessential Cascades Lake loop hike that has a little of everything.
This is a somewhat long (12.5 miles) but spectacular hike just outside Bend. It can be crowded, but for good reason. If you are visiting Bend Oregon, and are looking for that signature hike to truly enjoy the area, then read on.
The Green Lakes and Soda Creek Loop Hike Near Bend
Hiking to Green Lakes and then returning via the Soda Creek Trail creates a loop that is a rather long but rewarding Three Sisters stunner. You’ll visit not only Green Lakes, have the option to visit Moraine Lake, get lots of views of South Sister and Broken Top, then enjoy the beautiful meadows along Soda Creek.
You’ll obviously want to check conditions, but this is generally a late spring to early fall hike (the rest of the year the area may be closed or not accessible to hiking). The popularity of the area also means crowds, so get there early as parking at the Green Lakes trailhead fills up fast.
Green Lake / Soda Creek Loop Hike Basics
- Location: Three Sisters Wilderness Area
- Hike Start and End: Green Lakes Trailhead, just off Cascades Lakes Highway ~25 miles west of Bend
- Parking: Large Parking Area (fills up early!)
- Fees: $5 Day Pass (ePass), or Northwest Forest Pass, or Annual Pass
- Total Distance: 12.5 miles (5-6 hours)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Dogs: Permitted on Leash
The Trailhead and Start Area
This loop hike begins at the Green Lakes trailhead, which is the base for a whole series of hikes in the area. This is part of what makes it crowded during peak times, but there is a fairly large parking area. Be sure to buy a day pass, which you can do on site or via an ePass in advance. Your Northwest Forest Pass or Annual Pass are good here as well.
For this loop hike you are going to start out north on the Fall Creek Trail. After crossing a bridge you’ll wind through dense forest and actually pass several waterfalls off the side of the trail. Trek carefully off trail into the woods for a better view.
Obsidian rock flows also become prominent as you continue north on the Fall Creek Trail. One more warning: mosquitos can be pesky so be prepared with repellant!
The Optional Moraine Lake Spur
After 2.1 miles on the falls creek trail you’ll come to the intersection of the spur to the Moraine Lake (look for the sign). You’ll have a decision here because the optional spur to Moraine Lake and back will add a little over 2 miles to your hike.
If you don’t mind making a long day hike longer, make the detour to Moraine Lake. Its a stunning mountain lake that is very swimmable and has a gorgeous backdrop of South Sister. I’ve swam in Moraine Lake many times and while cold, its a great mountain swim in crystal clear water.
You’ll hike about 1 mile from the intersection to the lake until you’ll see signs. At Moraine, you’ll have the option to circle the lake or just turn and go back.
The Push Up and Rewards of Reaching Green Lakes
Weather you’ve made the detour to Moraine or not, the trek up Falls Creek to Green Lakes will be a steady 4 mile climb. Keep following signs to ‘Green Lakes’ as there are multiple intersections along the way.
The first clearing into the Green Lakes basin is stunning. Clear views of South Sister and Broken Top. Deep emerald lakes. Volcanic sceney all around.
There are actually 3 lakes in the area, be sure to spend time pushing up and exploring the area. You may see campers and swimmers. Its a perfect picnic area.
Skirting Around Broken Top to the Soda Creek Trail
Its tempting to spend a lot of time in the Green Lakes area, which many people do and then backtrack the way they came. But to complete this loop, you still have a lot of hiking and lots to see.
To continue on, you’ll be taking the Broken Top Trail, which continues to climb and skirts the south side of Broken Top Mountain. This is also the section mostly likely to still have snow (highest elevation of the hike). This part of the trail has spectacular views, South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor, you’ll have constant photo ops and part of why making this loop hike is so worth it.
The trail gradually begins to level out and you’ll soon be gliding through meadows and heading downhill.
Following Soda Creek Through Magnificent Meadows
Look for the intersection with the Soda Creek Trail as it will be the long last leg of the journey. This section is dominated by the meadows, magnificent and seemingly endless. During most parts of the season when this hike is open, the wildflowers are abundant and breathless.
There are also a number of creek crossings, some minor rock stepping exercises, while some have various bridges built. The crossing of Crater Creek is the most challenging, and best chance for wet hiking boots (but fun).
Have patience during this gradual descending leg of the hike. Its long and meandering. After ~9 miles you’ll start to play the mind game of ‘how much further’, and the last ~2 mile of the hike are somewhat volcanic and dry.
After ~12.5 miles (plus another 2.5 if you did the Moraine Lake optional spur), you’ll be back where you started at the Green Lakes trailhead, having just completed one of the signature loop hikes around Bend.
Suggested Post Green Lakes Hike Stop for Beers
Probably no better place to stop for craft beer and delicious food than Cascade Lakes Brewing Company right off Century Drive on your way back into town. Cascades Lakes is always pouring interesting and delicious pils, ales, IPAs, and more, plus the pub food is legit for post-hike eating.
