There is a very good reason that No Name Lake, high amidst the colorful striations of Broken Top in the Central Oregon Cascades, is visited by legions of backpackers and day hikers. Although no one knows how it got its highly unspecific name, one thing’s for sure: It’s quite simply stunning.
The lake sits at 8,000 feet in a scenic cirque, a sort of alpine amphitheater scoured out by glaciers, underneath Broken Top’s saw-toothed summit ridge. It shimmers an unreal aquamarine thanks to suspended glacial silt that reflects a vibrant hue. Up high, Broken Top itself, one of the older volcanic peaks in the Cascades mountain range, rises to 9,177 feet as a mountainous backdrop to the lake, swirled with vibrant maroon and ochre tones.
The entire panorama serves as the most spectacular highlight of a three-day, 24-mile backpack around Broken Top. This trek — which five friends and I experienced during a recent summer trip — thrills hikers with far-off vistas, towering peaks, enchanting lakes and opportunities for adventure throughout. Here’s a taste of the experience during a three-day backpacking trip.
Day 1: Tam McArthur Rim to No Name Lake
Our trip began from the Tam McArthur Rim Trail near Three Creeks Lake south of Sisters. We had purchased required Central Cascades Wilderness Permits before we left, and a ranger checked our credentials at the trailhead. Up we went through a dwindling pine forest to open views from the cliffs atop Tam McArthur Rim. Down below, Three Creeks Lake was an inviting gem, while on the horizon the Three Sisters loomed large and beautiful.
The officially maintained part of the trail along the rim ends at a signpost announcing as much, but the route clearly continues across boulder fields and collections of smaller rocks known as scree, leading to an outcropping known as Broken Hand. We skirted the appendage and caught the first glimpses of No Name Lake from above before working our way down to the turquoise water for a break underneath dramatic, sunlit clouds.
It would have been dreamy to pitch a tent right there next to the lake, and many a backpacker once did. But No Name eventually paid the price for its popularity. The crowds — and human waste from campers leaving more than just footprints — got so bad that the Forest Service banned camping within a quarter-mile of the lake in 2019. Now visitors to the Three Sisters Wilderness area, along with the Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Washington wilderness areas, must comply with the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system. This limits the total number of overnighters and the number of day hikers on about a third of the trails in the region.
During our brief pause on the day’s 7 miles, we bumped into just two swimmers, so the system seems to be working. No Name Lake looked pristine and wild as could be. We soaked it in and snapped a few photos before finding a campsite beyond the lake, just as the sky darkened and the first swells of thunder rumbled in the distance. It wasn’t long before the rain drove us into our tents, our nerves jolted a bit by the lighting that flashed a little too frequently for comfort.
Day 2: Green Lakes to Golden Lake
The day-two hike took us around the south face of Broken Top, across multiple crystalline streams and past a picturesque group of backcountry equestrians. The trail wound easily over to Green Lakes, a gathering of gorgeous lakes that reflect South Sister like a mirror. We ambled along the shore of the largest lake, pulled off for lunch and plunged in for an invigorating swim.
Green Lakes is dotted with 22 designated campsites we could have enjoyed, but we wanted to head on. It’s worth noting that more ambitious and experienced hikers could also add a summit of South Sister from Green Lakes. The challenging Northwest Ridge route to climb to the summit of Broken Top also breaks off at Green Lakes; it’s about 3.5 miles round-trip with 2,600 feet of gain. It’s exposed and rocky, and the challenging final summit block is best left to experienced climbers.
The long, late-summer day gave us plenty of time to hike up and out of the basin, past open views of South Sister and gradually up toward our resting place after 9 miles for the second night: Golden Lake at the base of Broken Top. It was quiet — the permit system doing its job — and we set up, filtered water from the pretty tadpole-teeming lake and commenced the happy-hour backpacking routines.
At one point in the waning sunlight hours, as the conversation lulled and Broken Top’s colors faded under the encroaching clouds, Mario and Ben somehow started up an impromptu game of alpine bocce ball to pass the time. They used lava rocks for the game, which they tossed underhand toward a target rock. In no time, the rest of us — Steve, Pete, Brandon and myself — joined in and we played until the sun set.
Day 3: Golden Lake to Home
Our third morning dawned blue and new. The final 8 miles were a largely pleasant stroll, including a decent stretch through the remnants of the 2012 Pole Creek fire. Ghostly snags teetered above pink fireweed and long grasses heralding the area’s return. We gradually ascended through the bony landscape until, off in the distance, we could see the high cliffs of Tam McArthur Rim. We were getting close.
At last back at the trailhead, we shed our packs, traded boots for flip flops and sneakers, and cracked beers still cold in the cooler. As often happens at trail’s end, we reminisced about the highlights of the hike: The new appreciation for Broken Top, the refreshment of a midday swim in the wilderness and the stunning lake itself. Then, as also often happens at the end of an outdoor adventure, talk turned to a celebratory meal, which we found at Three Creeks Brew Pub in Sisters, just a half-hour’s drive from the trailhead.
If You Go:
Start with Leave No Trace principles and the Ten Essentials, and build your trip from there.
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required for day hikes and overnight trips from June 15 through October 15. Overnight permits are $6 per group. About 40% of permits are released on the first Tuesday in April at 7 a.m.; the rest become available seven days before a trip start date. Reserve at Recreation.gov.
- If you’re unable to get a permit, there are plenty of gorgeous hikes to check out in the Central Cascades.
- Be aware of the possibility of wildfires and what to do in case you see one. Download the free Watch Duty app, which tracks wildfires and even allows users to set up county-wide alerts to stay aware.
- Pack out all waste, and don’t cut, damage or remove any vegetation or rocks.
