Broken Top to Green Lakes — Cascade Volcanic High Country Road via Todd Lake
Pumice, volcanoes, and Oregon sky.
The Deschutes National Forest road network north of Bend gives overland rigs legitimate access to some of the most dramatic volcanic terrain in the lower 48. Forest Road 370 off Cascade Lakes Highway pushes toward Todd Lake and the Broken Top Trailhead, with spur tracks threading through pumice desert toward the Green Lakes basin at the foot of Broken Top’s shattered caldera. You’re driving across lava fields that froze mid-flow, through lodgepole forest that thins into true alpine at 6,500 feet, with South Sister’s glacier cone visible to the southwest the entire run. The roads are rutted pumice and volcanic gravel — they don’t require extreme articulation, but they punish low-clearance vehicles and beat up poorly loaded rigs. Several spur tracks off FR-370 dead-end at wilderness boundaries, so knowing where you can legally drive versus hike matters.
High clearance and all-terrain tires handle this comfortably; 4WD helps on the looser pumice grades. Best season is July through October — snow lingers on the upper roads into June. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for trailhead parking. No dispersed camping within the Wilderness boundary itself, but established Forest Service campsites at Todd Lake and along FR-370 corridors are solid. Fuel in Bend — there’s nothing out here. Cell service drops to zero within a mile of leaving the Cascade Lakes Highway. This is Oregon Cascades overlanding at its best: volcanic, remote, and criminally underrated.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6550 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD minimum, 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Bend, Oregon |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service — Deschutes National Forest |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock Tacoma or 4Runner with factory clearance handles this fine. High-clearance 2WD can technically make it in dry conditions, but 4WD earns its keep on the loose pumice sections and any wet rock near the lakes.
When does this route actually open in spring, and is October pushing it?
July is the realistic open window — snowpack at 6,500 ft lingers into late June most years. October is doable but you're gambling on early season snow; storms can roll in fast up here and the pumice turns to mush when wet.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
Yes — the Green Lakes area falls under a day-use and overnight permit system managed by Deschutes National Forest, typically required mid-June through October. Check recreation.gov ahead of time; permits sell out fast for this corridor.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect there?
The roughest stretch is the loose pumice approaching the higher elevation flats — it's not technically difficult but the surface is unpredictable, especially on descents. Airing down to 20-25 PSI before you start makes a real difference.
Is there any reliable water source on route, or do I need to carry everything from Bend?
There are glacier-fed water sources near Green Lakes, but bring a filter — you're not drinking straight from them. No potable water at trailheads, and with zero cell service and no services between here and Bend, treat this like a self-supported run.
Trail track
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