A Scenic Hiking Trail In Oregon Leads To A Beautiful, Turquoise Glacial Lake With No Name

Central Oregon is an outdoor wonderland — a stunning landscape of high desert vistas, pine forests, rocky river gorges, and snow-capped volcanic peaks. From this crystalline lake hidden in the Deschutes National Forest to the state's second-largest state park brimming with deep scenic canyons, the Beaver State's semiarid eastern half is a nature-lover's dream. 

Perhaps nothing delivers the splendor of the region more intensely than Broken Top Trail. Situated about 30 miles west of the city of Bend — a stunning west coast destination for fun fall outdoor adventures — this precipitous, six-mile out-and-back route takes hikers straight into the heart of the Three Sisters Wilderness. The hike features craggy peaks, alpine meadows, ice and snow, along with patches of forest and some of the best views that Oregon has on tap. 

The cherry on the sundae is No Name Lake, a gorgeous alpine freshwater body near the end of the trail. Rimmed by boulders, snowfields, and the jagged, 9,177-foot rise of Broken Top, this high-country lake — and the sweeping vistas it affords — is worth every sweaty step it takes to get there.

Despite the fact that the lake at the end of this trek is called "No Name," the place is hardly anonymous, and Broken Top Trail is now one of the most popular routes in the region. This means you'll have to apply for a wilderness permit ahead of time and arrive at the trailhead early (before 8AM is suggested) to snag a parking spot, which costs $5 unless you have a Northwest Forest Pass (available for $30 annually).

While most of the road from Bend is on a sealed highway, the forest road leading to the trailhead is a rough, rutted, potholed obstacle course that should only be tackled by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, this doesn't stop Broken Top Trail from drawing crowds, so be prepared for company along the way, especially if you get a later start. 

That said, there's a reason why this particular route has blown up in recent years: It's arguably central Oregon's most thrilling hiking path, everything you can expect from a high mountain route, along with soul-stirring views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, and — on a very clear day — Washington's Mt. Adams in the far distance.  This is the Cascades Range in its purest form,and Broken Top Trail puts you right in the middle of the action.

While most people elect to head to No Name Lake from the Broken Top Trailhead, there's another, less-crowded, even more satisfying route for those feeling adventurous and energetic. Beginning in the deep pine forest, the Todd Ridge Trail climbs from the idyllic Todd Lake to No Name Lake and Broken Top.

At 15.6 miles out-and-back — with 2,880 feet of elevation gain — this trek is no joke, but pays off with even more variety of landscape and the knowledge that you've truly earned every view. Just bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the higher elevations see punishing sunlight in summer.

Both the Broken Top Crater and Todd Ridge Trail are hikable from late July through October, as this region of the Cascades is covered in deep snowpack for much of the year. This short window to visit this breathtaking part of the Cascades only increases the pressure, which is why the permit system was initiated in the first place. For more of Oregon's scenic goodness, check out this roadtrip that highlights the state's hidden gems and attractions.