Getting There
From Bend, take SW Century Drive to Mt Bachelor until it changes to and continue on Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway: it's about 25 miles out of town. Pull into the Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead parking lot.
I had originally planned to climb Broken Top but realized when I arrived in Bend that winter had arrived early to Central Oregon. I got a clear view of Three Sisters and Broken Top when I was returning from my field trip to Lake County & Christmas Valley. I'd opted for a later start. I sat in the parking lot, leisurely getting my hiking gear sorted out and eating (most of) my breakfast burrito.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 1,276 ft
Moving time: 4:08:49
Total time: 4:21:39
Avg pace: 23:31
Calories: 2,192
Since I knew I wasn't going to have to rush to reach the Broken Top summit, I adopted a more relaxed pace. The weather was amazing, not too cold, and clear skies for miles. I quickly caught up to a couple and said Good Morning.
I vaguely recognized the trail from my hike two year before, even though it was blanketed in snow. I had microspikes but felt comfortable without them. The first part of the goes by several waterfalls and is mostly under a canopy of trees.
While making my way to the section of trail that parallels the moraine at the south end of South Sister, I was getting showered by slush as the snow on the boughs high above melted. I tried to make it out of the trees without adding any more layers but a bit of snow that landed down the back of my shirt made me stop and don my jacket and hood.
The sunshine is glorious. I see a few people and unnecessarily caution them about the melting snow in the trees. I know I'm close to the grand views of the mountain but can't see them from here.
I finally reach the junction to the first campsite, #6. I take the site trail to the lake below Broken Top. So far, my snow hike is well-traveled and easy-going. I find quickly as I approach the shore, that the snow is softer and deeper than I was prepared for. I brought the wrong gaiters. I follow from footprints which soon become a single track of post holes. Even though my boots are waterproof and laced tightly, I can feel the coolness of snow reaching my socks.
I had envisioned being able to at least go partly up the ridge, even if the summit was out of the question. Nope! The snow is much too deep and trail untraveled. Shucks! I wished I'd had the proper gear to go further: snow pants, snow boots, crampons, gaiters, and snow shoes!
I double-back to the main trail and continue toward the endpoint. I take a look back at my single track and Broken Top.
The view of South Sister is amazing. I think "I hope I can make it back here to climb this mountain".
I start making my way back to the trail and take a few last views of this beautiful area and lament not being able to do the climb. Maybe next year. What if I camped here and did South Sister one day and Broken Top on another. Too ambitious? IDK.
On the way back I do put on my microspikes because the melted patches of snow had frozen in the shade. It wasn't a big deal on the way up but I appreciated the added confidence and traction on the way down.
I don't take many photos on the way back through the waterfall section. The light isn't optimal any more. I'm happy to just take my time. I think if I make it back to the trailhead, maybe I could ride the gondola to the top of Mt Bachelor, not realizing the ski resort is not open to the public yet.
