HikingViking

This was a 10.7 mile, 3500 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest & Mount Hood Wilderness, hiking a Northern Approach to Timberline Loop that is much less popular than the more common Southern Approach access points, starting at Mazama Trailhead and hiking to 3.6 miles & 2200 FT Elevation Gain to Timberline Loop, taking Timberline Loop segment to McNeil Point Trail Junction, and exploring the McNeil Point Triangle Zone to Ho Rock before returning back to Mazama Trailhead. Road conditions - I consider this a "road not taken" hike; hikes like Ramona Falls, Zig Zag Canyon & Elk Meadows get a lot more attention; part of this is the easier Southern access points. This hike in contrast goes to the North - to get to Mazama Trailhead, one must take Lola Pass and then go down a few miles of gravel Forest Road, approximately 18 miles in all total from the highway. It is long and arduous, takes about 45 minutes of patience One Way, and one must watch for large pot holes particularly in the Lola Pass area, but the road itself was very passable, I'd say for most vehicles with proper caution and patience, and I've been on far worse forest roads all around Central Oregon - so its the long slow burn of the drive that is more cumbersome than the actual bumpiness/condition of the road itself in my humble opinion.....of course DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK! For this "road not taken" reason, I consider this a great contrarian hedge play hike in the area on a Saturday in Summer to have a low traffic hike. Also, particularly in July (this was hiked July 29, 2023), because a large part of it is Burnout, it is a LOW-TO-NO mosquito zone - while some parts of the Cascades in July are absolutely mosquito infested, I didn't get a single bite the entire day - hiking Burnout Areas during July in Oregon is my counter-mosquito contrarian recommendation hike hack! Also to factor in, I had checked Alltrails, and the trail had just been cleared of debris / downed logs earlier that week so it was clear and pristine for the entire hike! While I'd say other Timberline Loop sections like Zig Zag Canyon and Ramona Falls are objectively higher beauty areas, the Mazama Trail area is quite beautiful in its own right and is absolutely worth doing at least once if nothing else as a bucket list hike - in some other States, Mazama Trail would be THE premiere hike, it just happens to be unlucky to be buried half way down the Trail list in the Timberline sea of hiking riches. So after doing it, I would highly recommend it as a "road not taken" hike, and a great July low traffic low mosquito contrarian play (confirm access / snow has melted conditions wise)!

This third segment picks up where the last segment left off traversing Three Sisters Wilderness through beautiful Alpine Forest ultimately to the Junction for Soda Creek towards Green Lakes, you want to stay right at the Intersection to continue on towards No Name Lake & Bend Glacier. This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This was a 11.6 Mile, 300 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Lava Lake Trailhead and hiking on the Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail along the Eastern Shoreline of Lava Lake, across a Forest Divide between Lava Lake and Hosmer Lake, up the East side of Hosmer Lake, ultimately to the Quinn Creek Junction as our Turnaround point for this Out and Back Day-Hike. This was started at sunrise and captured the early morning tranquil serenity of Lava Lake at the Boat Dock. A deer was spotted up close and personal just off the trail near the beginning. In my opinion, Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail is a bit underrated. It is a great Shoreline Hike (for the Lava Lake portion) through an incredible Pine-laden National Forest. It is quintessential Central Oregon. It is also one of the longer hikes you can do in the area with very minimal elevation gain, only a few hundred feet, spread over a long distance. So if you're looking for distance over elevation gain, this is a top choice in the area. Lastly, since its at lower elevation, this is a good tide over training hike that is accessible much earlier in the Summer, and mosquitoes were non-existent. As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to Lava Lake Day Use Parking, which is all entirely paved. Virtually all cars should be able to easily make it - drive slow and cautiously, and do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a 11.6 Mile, 300 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Lava Lake Trailhead and hiking on the Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail along the Eastern Shoreline of Lava Lake, across a Forest Divide between Lava Lake and Hosmer Lake, up the East side of Hosmer Lake, ultimately to the Quinn Creek Junction as our Turnaround point for this Out and Back Day-Hike. This was started at sunrise and captured the early morning tranquil serenity of Lava Lake at the Boat Dock. A deer was spotted up close and personal just off the trail near the beginning. In my opinion, Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail is a bit underrated. It is a great Shoreline Hike (for the Lava Lake portion) through an incredible Pine-laden National Forest. It is quintessential Central Oregon. It is also one of the longer hikes you can do in the area with very minimal elevation gain, only a few hundred feet, spread over a long distance. So if you're looking for distance over elevation gain, this is a top choice in the area. Lastly, since its at lower elevation, this is a good tide over training hike that is accessible much earlier in the Summer, and mosquitoes were non-existent. As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to Lava Lake Day Use Parking, which is all entirely paved. Virtually all cars should be able to easily make it - drive slow and cautiously, and do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a 11.6 Mile, 300 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Lava Lake Trailhead and hiking on the Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail along the Eastern Shoreline of Lava Lake, across a Forest Divide between Lava Lake and Hosmer Lake, up the East side of Hosmer Lake, ultimately to the Quinn Creek Junction as our Turnaround point for this Out and Back Day-Hike. This was started at sunrise and captured the early morning tranquil serenity of Lava Lake at the Boat Dock. A deer was spotted up close and personal just off the trail near the beginning. In my opinion, Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail is a bit underrated. It is a great Shoreline Hike (for the Lava Lake portion) through an incredible Pine-laden National Forest. It is quintessential Central Oregon. It is also one of the longer hikes you can do in the area with very minimal elevation gain, only a few hundred feet, spread over a long distance. So if you're looking for distance over elevation gain, this is a top choice in the area. Lastly, since its at lower elevation, this is a good tide over training hike that is accessible much earlier in the Summer, and mosquitoes were non-existent. As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to Lava Lake Day Use Parking, which is all entirely paved. Virtually all cars should be able to easily make it - drive slow and cautiously, and do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a 7.4 mile, 1200 FT Elevation Gain Loop Hike of the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, in 4K! This is unquestionably the BEST WATERFALL HIKE IN OREGON, and a TOP 5 WATERFALL HIKE IN THE ENTIRE USA, so it is truly EPIC and absolutely worth putting on your bucket list to experience. They almost designated this a National Park many years ago (I'm glad they didn't for logistical reasons), it is truly a natural beauty wonderland to behold. This was hiked on 5/20/23, the weather was classic Spring in Oregon with some sunshine and overcast, and there were no mosquitoes. I hiked the Loop Clockwise and would recommend the same route. The Ten Waterfalls in order hiking Clockwise are: 1) South Falls - 177 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 2) Lower South Falls - 93 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 3) Lower North Falls - 30 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 4) Double Falls - 178 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 5) Drake Falls - 27 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 6) Middle North Falls - 106 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 7) Twin Falls - 31 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 8) North Falls - 136 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 9) Upper North Falls - 65 FT 10) Winter Falls - 134 FT My favorites were the four you could walk behind, not just for that reason but they were also the most beautiful Waterfall Basins and most awe-inspiring overall. All Ten Waterfalls are very high quality and each one could be a destination hike on its own, so for them to be put together all in one EPIC Sensory Overload Waterfall Loop Hike is truly spectacular!

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This was a 7.4 mile, 1200 FT Elevation Gain Loop Hike of the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, in 4K! This is unquestionably the BEST WATERFALL HIKE IN OREGON, and a TOP 5 WATERFALL HIKE IN THE ENTIRE USA, so it is truly EPIC and absolutely worth putting on your bucket list to experience. They almost designated this a National Park many years ago (I'm glad they didn't for logistical reasons), it is truly a natural beauty wonderland to behold. This was hiked on 5/20/23, the weather was classic Spring in Oregon with some sunshine and overcast, and there were no mosquitoes. I hiked the Loop Clockwise and would recommend the same route. The Ten Waterfalls in order hiking Clockwise are: 1) South Falls - 177 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 2) Lower South Falls - 93 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 3) Lower North Falls - 30 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 4) Double Falls - 178 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 5) Drake Falls - 27 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 6) Middle North Falls - 106 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 7) Twin Falls - 31 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 8) North Falls - 136 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 9) Upper North Falls - 65 FT 10) Winter Falls - 134 FT My favorites were the four you could walk behind, not just for that reason but they were also the most beautiful Waterfall Basins and most awe-inspiring overall. All Ten Waterfalls are very high quality and each one could be a destination hike on its own, so for them to be put together all in one EPIC Sensory Overload Waterfall Loop Hike is truly spectacular!

This clip captures a spectacular shoreline perspective of No Name Lake and the "Purple Nub" of Broken Top, truly an alpine wonderland to behold! This is at approximately 8200 FT in Three Sisters Wilderness. This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a 7.4 mile, 1200 FT Elevation Gain Loop Hike of the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, in 4K! This is unquestionably the BEST WATERFALL HIKE IN OREGON, and a TOP 5 WATERFALL HIKE IN THE ENTIRE USA, so it is truly EPIC and absolutely worth putting on your bucket list to experience. They almost designated this a National Park many years ago (I'm glad they didn't for logistical reasons), it is truly a natural beauty wonderland to behold. This was hiked on 5/20/23, the weather was classic Spring in Oregon with some sunshine and overcast, and there were no mosquitoes. I hiked the Loop Clockwise and would recommend the same route. The Ten Waterfalls in order hiking Clockwise are: 1) South Falls - 177 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 2) Lower South Falls - 93 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside South Fork Silver Creek) 3) Lower North Falls - 30 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 4) Double Falls - 178 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 5) Drake Falls - 27 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 6) Middle North Falls - 106 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 7) Twin Falls - 31 FT (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 8) North Falls - 136 FT (can walk behind!) (hiking beside North Fork Silver Creek) 9) Upper North Falls - 65 FT 10) Winter Falls - 134 FT My favorites were the four you could walk behind, not just for that reason but they were also the most beautiful Waterfall Basins and most awe-inspiring overall. All Ten Waterfalls are very high quality and each one could be a destination hike on its own, so for them to be put together all in one EPIC Sensory Overload Waterfall Loop Hike is truly spectacular!

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This clip captures the overlook view of No Name Lake and a second hidden Alpine Cirque directly above it, as well as the "Purple Nub" of Broken Top! This is at approximately 8200 FT in Three Sisters Wilderness. This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, starting at world class legendary Koosah & Sahalie Falls Trailhead and hiking a 2.9 Mile Loop crossing two bridges and hiking both sides of National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River completely circumnavigating the area with multiple vantage points of BOTH Waterfalls with only 360 FT Elevation Gain, making it a low Elevation Gain, well-graded trail. The temperature was in the 40's for most of the hike with VERY heavy rain and dark gloomy overcast sky, which frankly only added to the beauty. This was hiked on 4/8/2022 and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the paved parking lot so it is as easy as it gets - In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year. On this day it was raining so heavily I had full windshield wipers going through heavy rain & fog in the morning so conditions are always unpredictable and a factor. I highly recommending taking a stacking 3-Pack-Hike approach and combining this hike with Tamolitch Blue Pool, 4 miles, that is only a few minutes away down the highway, as well as if feeling truly ambitious even Clear Lake Loop, 4.9 miles, as well, making it a full day in the area of EPIC hiking - that would be the ultimate one stop shopping approach - these three hikes are the highlights of the entire area! If you do all three, start very early in the day to give yourself time to complete them all at a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you decide to pick off multiple hikes in one trip, whether you do two of the hikes or all three, make sure to hydrate/snack as necessary in the car rides between the locations Trailheads as your own little pit stops.

This ninth segment explores ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR ZONES IN ALL THE CASCADES, the shoreline of No Name Lake, gets up close and personal with Broken Top and what I have dubbed the glowing "Purple Nub" of Broken Top, gets views of a second hidden Alpine Cirque directly above No Name Lake, and overlooks the legendary "Bend Glacier" nestled with a couple additional hidden Alpine Cirques surrounded by all of the Three Sisters Mountains and Broken Top. This is truly a magical ALPINE JEWEL WONDERLAND, arguably my favorite wilderness place in ALL OF THE STATE OF OREGON! I highly recommend hiking beyond the shoreline of No Name Lake up to Bend Glacier Overlook to get 1) Bend Glacier, 2) "Purple Nub" of Broken Top, and 3) hidden second Alpine Cirque direction above No Name Lake. Also, I must say, descending back down towards No Name Lake is one of the best views you will experience, I like to colloquially refer to it as "A Slice of Heaven". This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

The bridge view of Trout Creek on the border of the Menagerie Wilderness, Central Oregon in 4K! This video was made on 5/21/23. Mosquitoes were non-existent.

This was an EPIC day-hike in Central Oregon at Sunrise exploring the INCREDIBLE “River Trail” at Smith Rock State Park, easily a TOP 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon in my humble opinion! This hike was timed for the epic sunrise glow on the GORGEOUS canyon faces, starting at River Trail Trailhead before sunrise and hiking parallel to Crooked River ultimately to Monkey Face and a bit beyond as my turnaround point. I explored several of the primary “side trails” aka “climbers trails” of River Trail – Morning Glory Wall, Dihedrals, Asterisk Pass, and a few others with beautiful panoramic expansive viewpoints. Weather was below freezing chilly and quite windy with a low of 29, high of 54, with beautiful classic blue clear sky. This was hiked on 11/8/2021 with fall colors in transition or full bloom, the trail was completely clear of snow, and there were NO Mosquitoes! As far as road conditions, it could not be more easy, paved roads all the way to the parking lot. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive. As far as permits, the River Trail Trailhead DOES NOT require a Recreation.gov permit but IS a State Park.

This eighth segment ascends the Alpine "Upper Third" of the hike through beautiful Three Sisters Wilderness, arrives at the edge of the Backcountry Camping Zone of No Name Lake, and hikes up the very light scramble to initially arrive @ No Name Lake! This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was an EPIC day-hike in Central Oregon at Sunrise exploring the INCREDIBLE “River Trail” at Smith Rock State Park, easily a TOP 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon in my humble opinion! This hike was timed for the epic sunrise glow on the GORGEOUS canyon faces, starting at River Trail Trailhead before sunrise and hiking parallel to Crooked River ultimately to Monkey Face and a bit beyond as my turnaround point. I explored several of the primary “side trails” aka “climbers trails” of River Trail – Morning Glory Wall, Dihedrals, Asterisk Pass, and a few others with beautiful panoramic expansive viewpoints. Weather was below freezing chilly and quite windy with a low of 29, high of 54, with beautiful classic blue clear sky. This was hiked on 11/8/2021 with fall colors in transition or full bloom, the trail was completely clear of snow, and there were NO Mosquitoes! As far as road conditions, it could not be more easy, paved roads all the way to the parking lot. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive. As far as permits, the River Trail Trailhead DOES NOT require a Recreation.gov permit but IS a State Park.

This seventh segment is Alpine Bliss in the Alpine Tundra Wonderland Zone at the base of Broken Top as we continue to ascend up and around the Mountain through Three Sisters Wilderness towards No Name Lake! This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This was an EPIC day-hike in Central Oregon at Sunrise exploring the INCREDIBLE “River Trail” at Smith Rock State Park, easily a TOP 3 State Park in the entire State of Oregon in my humble opinion! This hike was timed for the epic sunrise glow on the GORGEOUS canyon faces, starting at River Trail Trailhead before sunrise and hiking parallel to Crooked River ultimately to Monkey Face and a bit beyond as my turnaround point. I explored several of the primary “side trails” aka “climbers trails” of River Trail – Morning Glory Wall, Dihedrals, Asterisk Pass, and a few others with beautiful panoramic expansive viewpoints. Weather was below freezing chilly and quite windy with a low of 29, high of 54, with beautiful classic blue clear sky. This was hiked on 11/8/2021 with fall colors in transition or full bloom, the trail was completely clear of snow, and there were NO Mosquitoes! As far as road conditions, it could not be more easy, paved roads all the way to the parking lot. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive. As far as permits, the River Trail Trailhead DOES NOT require a Recreation.gov permit but IS a State Park.

This sixth segment starts with spectacular views of Broken Top hiking to the base of "The Climb", the hardest section % grade steep incline wise of the entire hike (please pardon a few seconds of shakiness while doing part of the steep ascent), continue up a scenic section of Broken Top Trail, discuss the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire and hiking strategies to minimize the impact on your hiking, look back at beautiful views of Mount Bachelor, and ascend up into the Mountain-rific Alpine Tundra Zone, the "Upper Third" last portion of our hike to No Name Lake from Todd Trailhead. This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

This fifth segment starts at Little Crater Creek Crossing, followed by another Crater Creek Crossing, ascends part of pristine light gray sanded gorgeous Three Sisters Wilderness, discusses why it's better to keep Three Sisters a Wilderness Area rather than a National Park, merges officially with the shorter version of Broken Top Trail towards No Name Lake, discusses where Park Rangers are typically located verifying Recreation.gov permits, and hikes a spectacular zone with Broken Top views! This was a 14-mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, starting at Todd Trailhead and hiking to No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, & the Broken Top Zone as an EPIC Out and Back hike (PLEASE NOTE - this would be considered the "Longer Version" hike to get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the South aka Todd Trailhead. You can also get to this destination by taking the "Shorter Version", Broken Top Trail. I prefer to do the longer version because it captures several very gorgeous and majestic sections of Three Sisters Wilderness that you wouldn't otherwise traverse if doing the shorter, more direct route. This entire section of Three Sisters Wilderness is a bit of a premium Alpine Wonderland, so why not capture it all is my perspective - to each their own of course. Lastly, I would mention that you can also get to No Name Lake & Bend Glacier from the East by means of Tam McArthur Rim Trail (permit required at Recreation.gov), I have that whole hike captured here as well in a separate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmGSHgRwFLJprD8gBfZG53P The East Tam McArthur Rim approach and longer Todd Trailhead South approach are my two recommended hikes out of the three). This is one of my favorite hikes in all of Oregon, featuring my favorite Alpine Cirque Lake (No Name Lake), my favorite mountain (Broken Top), and my favorite Wilderness Area (Three Sisters). The hike starts at 6100 FT and your highest point is around 8200 FT. Due to the elevation range, this hike is only accessible around 10 weeks or so a year give or take based on the annual snowfall, from around 8/1 - 10/15, what I colloquially refer to as the "Alpine Window". I would recommend doing this earlier in the day (starting at sunrise if possible) with fluids on your person because large parts of this hike are fully exposed to the sun. The temperature was high 30's in the morning with a high in the low 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 10/12/2022 and there were no mosquitoes (they are typically gone sometime in late August or September). As far as road conditions, its Cascade Scenic Byway to the turnoff for Todd Lake - that stretch of National Forest Road is very bumpy for a few tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Most cars should be able to make it if they drive slow and cautiously, although do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! The road does not in my opinion require 4-Wheel Drive - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.