The Green Lakes Trail looms large in the imagination of hikers across Central Oregon—and for good reason.
Over the course of about 9.5 miles (round-trip), the scenic hike heads through a quiet alpine forest, passes the raging Falls Creek Falls, skirts the edge of a dramatic lava flow, enters a wide-open plain, and affords views of some of the region’s most notable peaks—including Broken Top and South Sister—from the shores of its namesake pools. Total elevation gain, meanwhile, totals about 1,400 feet—offering plenty of scenic payoffs without demanding strenuous climbs.
Part of what makes Green Lakes so enchanting is that you can choose a distance that feels right for your abilities. It’s about 9.5 miles (round-trip) to the first two lakes within the Green Lakes basin—and about 11 miles if hiking to all three emerald-hued reservoirs. Consult with a map beforehand so you can plan a successful hike—and to ensure you don’t make a wrong turn onto some of the other paths that crisscross this region.
If you’d like to hike to Green Lakes this summer, you’ll want to start by figuring out when you’d like to visit; the trail is typically snow-free by late June or early July, wildflowers bloom along the path into early August, September offers idyllic conditions, and early to mid-October brings cooler temperatures—as well as the season’s first snowfall.
Once you’ve planned your hike, snag a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit, which is required for hiking to Green Lakes between June 15 and October 15. If bringing a dog, note that Fido must remained leashed at all times between July 15 and September 15.
Open Season
Late June-Oct.
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed July 15-Oct. 15.
Best time to visit
July-Oct.
Don’t Miss
Plan a post-Labor Day hike to enjoy a bit more solitude and cooler temperatures along the awe-inspiring trail.
Fees or Pass Needed
A Forest Pass ($5 per day pass or $30 per annual pass) or America the Beautiful pass ($80 per annual pass) is accepted; a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is also required June 15-Oct. 15.
Restrictions
Motorized and mechanical equipment (such as e-bikes and drones) are prohibited. Dogs must also be leashed at all times between July 15 and September 15. Horses are permitted but should not use the trail until it is free of snow—typically between late July or early August and mid-October.
Activities
Hiking
Viewpoint
Parking
Parking is available at the Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead.
Directions
From Bend, the 26-mile drive to the Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead takes about 40 minutes via SW Century Drive, which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Other stories
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Local's Guide to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Views of the Cascade Range abound all over Central Oregon, but are never more dramatic than from along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway—a seasonal highway that heads southwest of Bend and into the heart of the mountains. Along the way, visitors can swim or paddle in more than a dozen alpine lakes, admire views of the snow-capped peaks that seem to rise from their shorelines, camp under starry night skies and traverse some of the region’s best-loved hiking trails.
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Explaining the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit Program
Summer in the Central Oregon outdoors will look different this year, due largely to the unveiling of the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System. Years in the making, the new system will cap the number of day-use and overnight visitors to some of the region’s most popular trails — including Green Lakes and Soda Creek, Broken Top, South Sister, and the Tam MacArthur Rim trails.