Broken Top And No Name Lake: An Epic 1 Night Backpacking Trip In Bend Oregon
There are some epic backpacking experiences to be had out there. But, there is just something extra special about a short 1 night trip. Specifically on the Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake in Bend, Oregon. It’s a trip that you can rip some mountain bike trails by morning, grab some food, and be out backpacking the trail by afternoon then do it in reverse the next day. Not to mention, the photography opportunity is ABUNDANT along the trail (especially if you don’t botch your camera settings like I did LOL). Not to mention, there is an insane amount of astrophotography opportunity here as the night sky is beautiful! Read on to see what makes backpacking to No Name Lake on Broken Top Mountain near Bend Oregon such an amazing overnight trip!
Milky Way over No Name Lake and Broken Top Peak. I unfortunately do not know the first thing of how to shoot astrophotography, but I think this was a pretty good attempt!
Before You Backpack!
I think going mid August is the ideal time as the bugs tend to not be quite as bad, smoke from fires hasn’t gotten too terrible yet, and evening and morning temperatures are very pleasant. Afternoons can get blisteringly hot however. So just keep that in mind. Hiking this trail has multiple avenues of approach. The approach I will be covering is Broken Top via Todd Lake for a roundtrip total distance of 14 miles and about 2700 feet of gain. However Tam McArthur Rim Trail is another popular starting point for a 10 mile roundtrip distance (I have not done that approach so I cannot add any insights to it). There are 2 other options (via Crater Ditch Trailhead or Broken Top Trailhead) that require an offroad capable vehicle to reach due to some seriously rough roads. Backpacking Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake as an overnight trip requires a permit regardless of starting point. You can acquire your overnight permit HERE and be sure to select Todd Lake as the starting point! Even if you are day hiking (aka not spending the night), you still require a day use permit here! More on permits below.
Also know permits are required June 15th through October 15th. Outside of this window, permits are not required. Permits are available for reservation starting on the first Tuesday in April if you want to plan your trip in advance. Only about 40% of permits are available during that early release, so be sure to get your trip booked quickly. If you miss this window, overnight permits are released 7 days out from the start of a trip on a rolling basis, so plan accordingly as they go FAST. Be sure to have a digital or printed copy of your permit on you during your trip. Rangers are out and checking regularly!
Lastly, there are seasonal road closures during the winter. Exact dates vary based on the season. Check here for information on road closures if planning during possible snowy months.
The Trail Experience:
The drive down the Cascade Lakes Highway coming from Bend is STUNNING. You will get great views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and The Sisters. Once you turn onto a gravel road heading towards Todd Lake trail head, it will get quite bumpy. There are numerous potholes but nothing too worrisome. I think nearly any car can make it down this short drive (unless you have purposefully lowered your vehicle perhaps).
After you have found a parking spot and got situated, go through the gate and head down the trail. There is 1 pit toilet shortly after the start that you can use if need be. It will be the only facility available for the rest of your time out on the trail. I do recommend downloading the map on AllTrails in advance to help navigate this trail. It is pretty well marked and an easy path to follow, but always better to be safe than sorry.
The trail itself is really pretty easy in my opinion. There are definitely a few steep spots and a couple creek crossings, but otherwise the grade is fairly mellow and consistent. The most difficult part of this hike is arguably the altitude if you are not acclimated to it. The trail starts at about 6,100 feet (1,870 meters) and just starts gaining elevation from there. The first couple miles will offer ample shade as well. Once you get up into the open however, you will be completely exposed until you start your descent back to the car. Just be sure to plan appropriately for the season you plan to hike and just bring lots of sunscreen.
Once you get across from Ball Butte, start looking for a place to setup camp. We made the mistake of packing our bags all the way to the top and carrying back down late at night after shooting the milky way. The trail gets a bit steeper near the end so just unnecessary to carry everything all the way. There is ample space to get setup at so just find a place that suits your fancy! It is tempting to want to camp near the lake, but there is ample signage making it very clear that camping within 400 meters of the lake is prohibited.
After setting up camp, grab your camera gear and continue up the trail towards No Name Lake. You will continue to get spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, loads of wildflowers, amazing glacial streams, and epic ridges the entire way. Definitely plan to leave early enough in the afternoon to allow for lots of photography exploration. There is so much opportunity here! Once you are at the lake, stop and fill your water, maybe take a dip in the freezing water, and setup your tripod for an epic Astro experience!
The next morning, just take your time to enjoy it. It’s beautiful! Once you are ready, and ensured you have collected all your trash and belongings, head back down the trail the way you came.
Post Adventure Coffee And Food:
No adventure is complete without some excellent food and a hot coffee or ice cold beverage to wash it down! Here are 2 current favorites. One for coffee and breakfast and one for beer and lunch/ dinner!
Monkless Belgian Ales- Amazing beer, FANTASTIC food, and fun atmosphere! They have the best Bavarian Pretzel I have ever eaten!
Victorian Cafe- A bad breakfast doesn’t exist here! They do not serve specialty coffees, but the food is just simply amazing! There is a Backporch Coffee located nearby to the restaurant if you want an excellent, local’s favorite, specialty coffee however!
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If you’ve ever wanted to pack big adventure into just one night, this Bend, Oregon backpacking trip delivers. With not too challenging trails, glacial streams, and the unforgettable beauty of No Name Lake high up on Broken Top. To make it even better? Get rewarded with stunning night skies that are sure to stir up some epic philosophical discussions!