Broken Top — Three Sisters Wilderness Volcanic Crater Viewpoint
Broken Top is the jagged, heavily glaciated stratovolcano that anchors the eastern skyline above Green Lakes. Its fractured caldera and exposed lava walls make it visually unlike anything else on the Cascade crest — this thing looks like it exploded sideways, because it basically did. From the Green Lakes basin, you’re staring straight into the guts of the mountain. Elevation runs to 9,175 feet at the summit. The basin below the crater sits around 6,500 feet and draws heavy foot traffic June through September.
No vehicle access to the crater itself — you’re looking at a 4-6 mile hike from Green Lakes trailhead. The Three Sisters Wilderness permit system is in effect for the Green Lakes corridor in summer; day-use and overnight permits required. Check USFS Deschutes for current permit windows before you roll.
Shattered volcano above Green Lakes basin.
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Soda Creek Trail #11, Oregon Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9175 ft |
| Nearest town | Bend, Oregon |
| Miles from pavement | 22 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Best season | July-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | Yes — Permit info |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |