Broken Top
6.6 mi
Distance
3 hrs 25 min
Time
terrain
2,359 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate one way trail to Broken Top in Deschutes National Forest.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
The road to Broken Top TH was rough! I have a 2013 Outback and it was sketchy in a couple of spots. Saw a few Crosstreks that had a better time due to the shorter wheelbase.
Vault toilet at the TH, not in bad shape and plenty of TP.
The hike in was so nice and mellow, actually descended about 600’ to Green Lakes. The elevation didn’t start til 4.5-5 miles then it went up relentlessly. The ridgeline was exposed and rock was chossy but the path was wide enough and pretty straightforward.
Getting up the summit block entailed some route finding and some backtracking, but I climbed up a small crack to the ledge then bouldered up a couple of sections. The summit was small but had commanding views!
I down climbed to the first ledge then went to the north to down climb a slightly less exposed route. I then took the scree slope down, thankful for putting on gaiters! Still had to dump out all the dust that collected in my shoes.
I hooked back up with the trail just above Green Lakes and headed back to the car.
I only had trail runners, gaiters and one trekking pole. No snow equipment needed and the section that some people rope up on was sketchy if you don’t have comfort bouldering and with exposure. I did just fine soloing but a fall would’ve been hazardous.
Car to car was about 6:40, starting at 7:20 am.
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