Green Lakes via Fall Creek Hike

From Portland Hikers Field Guide

View of South Sister from the trail (Dan Porter)

One of the many impressive waterfalls seen along the trail (Dan Porter)

Obsidian covered ridge viewable during the approach to the lakes (Dan Porter)

The largest of the Green Lakes (Dan Porter)

• Start point: Fall Creek Trailhead
• Ending Point: Green Lakes
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1150 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Summer-Early Fall
• Family Friendly: No
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: Yes

Hike Description

After the first half mile, you hike past 1.5 miles of steadily impressive waterfalls along Fall Creek. Eventually the trail, and the creek, level out at about 6000' and there are some meadows. Once you get through the meadows, you slowly climb again to the Green Lakes area. There are two switchbacks on this part, the only switchbacks you encounter on the whole route. Near the end of the hike you will pass an outlet creek from the lakes, with a ridge on the opposite side that contains obsidian.

There are views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mount Bachelor on the hike and at the trailhead.

Maps

• Hike Finder
• Topozone

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• Northwest Forest Pass required.
• There are limited camping sites available in Green Lakes area, and backpackers can only camp in designated areas.

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Green Lakes

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Green Lakes

More Links

Contributors

Martell