Central Oregon and the Cascades · Near Bend
Green Lakes Trail
A popular Cascade trail climbs from the Cascade Lakes corridor toward alpine lakes between South Sister and Broken Top.
- DifficultyModerate
- Round trip9 mi
- RouteOut and back
- Nearest townBend
What to expect
Plan the Green Lakes Trail
The route enters regulated wilderness and requires a current permit and conditions check. Measurements and dog guidance remain under editorial review before indexing.
Know before you go
Practical trail information
- Distance
- 9 mi round trip
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Out and back
- Parking
- Use the signed Green Lakes/Soda Creek trailhead and verify seasonal Central Cascades permit requirements.
- Dogs
- Verify the current land-manager rule before visiting.
- Restrooms
- Not documented; plan conservatively.
- Season
- Typically a snow-free-season hike; day-use permits are required from June 15 through October 15, and snow, fire, or wilderness restrictions can affect access.
Current Recreation.gov Green Lake/Soda Creek permit page reviewed August 30, 2026.