Climbing
Trad climbing
Alpine climbing NCCS rating
Grade II
Elevation Gain
3,695.00 ft (1,126.24 m)
Distance
12.00 mi (19.31 km)
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The glacially eroded Broken Top looms in the shadow of the South Sister. A number of options for a summit approach are available from the Green Lakes trailhead. A longer, less traveled trail leads to the east toward Todd Lake and winds through pockets of wildflowers. The crater towers over the eastern route as the trail swoops below the south face of the bowl and offers breathtaking views of the razor sharp teeth that define the dramatic form of the stratovolcano. Navigating through the fields of lupine one arrives at Green Lakes, where the cool water can bring relief to aching feet after a long day. The leisure climber can camp in one of the designated campsites around the lake and watch the reflection of South Sister dissolve as the sun dips behind the ridge and night falls.

The summit trail begins with a sharp incline, and the trail quickly erodes into crumbly basalt. From the northwest ridge the trail rises above the tree line and gains views of the steep, snow covered northern slopes. From here you'll have views of the Three Sisters as they march north toward Mount Jefferson in the distance. The trail transforms into a wall of rock as the route nears the summit, with a short technical climb followed by an exposed traverse to the top that provides climbers with breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountain Range. Be sure to bring a rope for the technical section and a small climbing rack to protect the traverse to the summit.

Note: For more climbing information, contact the Sisters Ranger Station at 541.549.7700. Camping at No Name Lake has been banned due to overuse.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Great views of Three Sisters. Backpacking options at Green Lakes.

Cons

Lots of scree.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

5,480.00 ft (1,670.30 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Comments

09/02/2018
From Todd lake to No Name lake, it's easy (some moderate) but long long trail. If you are a slow hiker or a take-a-lot-of-photos hiker, it might take 6 hrs or more for going and back. Bring enough food and water, most of the trail has no shadow. There are some tricky points to find the right way, so highly recommend to download offline map.
08/25/2018
Lovely area. Can't go wrong with any trail around here. I went from Green Lakes Trail, camped at the base of the mountain, and summited the next morning. The walk is pretty straight forward. There is one 20 foot vertical wall at the top. It is recommended to use ropes on this wall. Be careful!

Here is a video showing the summit route:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eZm0lBVqDc
08/27/2017
Smoke was a concern, and made our Green Lakes approach less desirable-- but the air cleared overnight for our summit climb. This mountain is always a treat. Beautiful views of the Three Sisters throughout, and impossible not to enjoy the careful treading along the final catwalks and climbs. Summit not recommended unless you're prepared / experienced, but totally worth it if you are!
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