Green Lakes Trail Sisters Wilderness

The Green Lakes Trail located just west of Soda Creek Campground on Highway 46.

Highest Elevation: 7,000 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.2 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet (to lakes)
Access: Any vehicle

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park to pay for the bureaucracy that is the U.S. Forest Service. Also, to prevent too many visitors day hiking into your National Forests, the Forest Service has imposed a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit that must be obtained online, if they are available.

This trail travels along Falls Creek to Green Lakes and continues to the pass between the South Sister and Broken Top above Green Lakes. The first few miles pass numerous scenic waterfalls, followed by some scenic forested meadows, then a track along side a lava flow. A careful inspection of the lava will reveal much obsidian in the rock. Finally, you arrive at the lakes area which is full of lakes, scenic meadows, and nearby and distant mountain views. Many campsites exist, all marked with posts. There are several spur trails that will lead you to the base of Broken Top or South Sister for further exploration.

River crossing a few minutes up the trail

Getting close to the lakes

Trail along side the lava flow

Broken Top and Lower Green Lake

South Sister from the trail

South Sister from the lakes