Green Lakes Trailhead — Deschutes National Forest Cascade Highcountry Gateway

Green Lakes Trailhead sits at roughly 5,460 feet on the western edge of Bend’s backyard and serves as the main access point for the Green Lakes basin, Broken Top, and the South Sister approach via the Fall Creek corridor. The parking lot is large but fills by 8 a.m. on summer weekends — not an exaggeration. The trail gains around 1,000 feet over 4.5 miles following Fall Creek through old-growth forest and open meadow before breaking into the glacially carved Green Lakes basin.

Wilderness permits are required for day use and overnight travel in the Three Sisters Wilderness during the managed season (typically late May through October). Reserve on Recreation.gov well in advance — these sell out. The trailhead has vault toilets and a trail register. No potable water on-site. Access is paved via OR-46 (Cascade Lakes Highway) from Bend — any vehicle gets here without drama. Cell service is effectively gone past the highway.

Gateway to Green Lakes and Broken Top circuit.