Overview
Broken Top sits adjacent to or is actually part of the Three Sisters complex in central Oregon. It's sharp features make it stand apart from the more traditional shaped Sisters. Broken Top is a very old volcano whose horseshoe shape is the result of an implosion and the after effect of the collapsing summit. There are only two small glaciers left on Broken Top, the Bend Glacier on the north side and the Crook Glacier within the crater.
The Northwest ridge route is the easiest and can be done in a day from the Greenlakes trailhead without any difficulty. Depending on specific route selection the hardest climbing involved is fourth to easy fifth class.
Getting There
Broken Top is accessed from the Green Lakes trailhead most commonly. The trailhead is directly off of the Cascade Lakes Highway which comes from Bend.
Red Tape
A free wilderness pass is required which is available at the trailhead. To park at the trailhead a NOrthwest Forest Pass is required-also available at the trailhead.
When To Climb
Typical climbing season is from July-September for the standard route, however alternate routes would probably be better earlier in the season May-June
Camping
Camping is allowed at the trailhead but it is only for tents/bivis. However, limited camping is preferred about 4 miles in at Green Lakes.
Mountain Conditions
None that I know of unfortunately
Images
|