Oregon's Stunning, Untitled Glacial Lake Reached Via a Breathtaking Hiking Path Discovers a Stunning, Turquoise Body of Water
Exploring the Breathtaking No Name Lake: Alternative Routes to Central Oregon's Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of the Three Sisters Wilderness, No Name Lake is a hidden gem that attracts hikers from far and wide. While the popular Broken Top Trail and the Todd Ridge Trail are well-known for their stunning views, there are alternative, less-crowded routes to reach this crystalline lake.
The Broken Top Trail: A Thrilling Hike
The Broken Top Trail, located about 30 miles west of Bend, Oregon, is a six-mile out-and-back route that offers some of the best views Oregon has on tap. This trail takes hikers past craggy peaks, alpine meadows, ice and snow, patches of forest, and showcases the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams on a clear day.
To hike the Broken Top Trail, wilderness permits must be applied for ahead of time, and hikers should arrive early to secure a parking spot, which costs $5 unless a Northwest Forest Pass is possessed (available for $30 annually). The forest road leading to the Broken Top Trailhead is a rough, rutted, potholed obstacle course suitable only for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Todd Ridge Trail: A Challenging Adventure
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Todd Ridge Trail offers a 15.6-mile out-and-back route with 2,880 feet of elevation gain. This trail climbs from Todd Lake to No Name Lake and Broken Top, and hikers should be prepared for punishing summer sunlight at higher elevations.
Alternative Routes to No Name Lake
For those looking to avoid the busier corridors, alternative trails connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) offer a more secluded approach. One such route is accessed via the Obsidian Trailhead off Highway 242 west of Sisters. This trail leads to the PCT roughly 1.4 miles apart, passing features such as Obsidian Falls and the 2017 Separation Fire scar.
Another less-frequented path can be found via the Scott Trail, which intersects with the PCT route to No Name Lake. This option may involve more navigation but reduces crowding compared to the Tam McArthur Rim approach.
The Cascades Range: A Pure Wilderness Experience
Both the Broken Top Trail and Todd Ridge Trail are located in the Cascades Range, showcasing this range in its purest form. The region is home to the Deschutes National Forest and is known for its high desert vistas, pine forests, rocky river gorges, and snow-capped volcanic peaks.
Central Oregon: A West Coast Destination
Central Oregon is a popular west coast destination for fall outdoor adventures, with Bend being a particularly popular spot. The Beaver State's semiarid eastern half is a popular destination for nature-lovers, offering a quieter, more solitary wilderness experience compared to the commonly used Tam McArthur Rim route.
Whether you choose the popular Broken Top Trail or the more secluded Todd Ridge Trail, or opt for one of the alternative routes, No Name Lake offers a breathtaking wilderness experience that should not be missed.
For individuals seeking a more unique travel experience, the alternative trails connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) provide a more secluded approach to No Name Lake, offering less-crowded paths such as the Obsidian Trailhead or the Scott Trail.
Travel guides for Central Oregon often highlight the Cascades Range as a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring a variety of less-frequented trails like the Obsidian Trailhead or the Scott Trail in addition to popular ones like the Broken Top Trail and the Todd Ridge Trail, enabling a diverse and less crowded exploration of this breathtaking wilderness destination.
