When people ask me what my favorite trail is my mind always takes me right back to Green Lakes. The most bang for your buck- the perfect length of ride, not too technical but not a nature walk, a lunch spot you can swim at and million dollar views almost the entire way.
While there is another longer and also amazing route to Green Lakes- this is the most common and easiest way to get there. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required during peak season but don’t let that deter you- this one is worth the extra step.
Trail Stats:
- 14.3 miles out and back.
- Elevation Gain: 2,352 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2,348 feet
- Max Elevation: 6,809 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Footing: Dirt/gravel road and soft dirt trail.
- Hoof Protection: Barefoot OK.
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Facilities: Todd Creek Horse Camp is a little used camp with access to some of the most pristine riding in Central Oregon.
Camping is free but requires an annual Northwest Forest Pass, annual Interagency Pass or several versions of day passes. Specific pass information may be found here.
The camp has a pit toilet, metal corrals, stock water and a large parking area adjacent to some of the corrals to accommodate larger trailers. There is also a small loop of sites that are more private than the main area. There is no potable water for humans so bring your own. Bugs can be an issue earlier in the season and some sites lack shade over the corrals.
Getting to camp is all paved highways until you reach the well maintained camp road.
From Bend, OR: Travel 24 miles west on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), then 0.6 miles south on Forest Road 4600-390.
Trail Info: From camp, ride back out to the highway (0.2 miles). The highway is a fairly easy crossing with good views of oncoming cars and no blind spots. Continue 0.6 miles on the dirt road towards Todd Lake Trailhead. This road can be very busy with hiker traffic in the summer so use caution if your horse dislikes vehicles or bikes. At the trailhead you will find a gate to your left, ride around it. After another 0.1 mile you will come to a junction with several directions to go. Pay attention to the trail signs as horses are not allowed at Todd Lake. Take the Todd Lake Trail #34. Do not confuse with “Todd Lake #34.1” as that will take you to the paved lake trail. Follow Todd Lake Trailhead #34 through the forest on a mild incline for 2.3 miles. At the next junction continue straight on Soda Creek Trailhead #11 for another 0.9 miles. Take a left on Broken Top Trail #10 and continue for 2 miles. By this time you’ll be starting to enjoy views of Sparks Lake below and Mount Bachelor while you ride the ridge. Broken Top will make its presence behind you so don’t forget to look around. When you’ve reached the 4 way junction you may take a right onto Green Lakes Trail or continue straight for a bit further. By this point you’ve reached Green Lakes and all of these trails intertwine the lakes and campsites. Explore to your hearts content. In the middle of the main lake there is a day use only area that you can tie up the horses for lunch and a swim.
Trail Challenges: Trail is typically cleared by volunteer crews shortly after snow melts since this is a popular trail so encountering downfall is rare. Water crossings are along the trail but are shallow and easy to cross for most horses.
Permits: June 15 to Oct 15 – day use and overnight permits are required and frequently checked by rangers at this location. Obtain a permit for Todd Lake Trailhead for this trail.
Day Use Permits
Overnight Permits
Backcountry Sites: No reliable grazing. Camping only allowed at designated sites. 2-3 of them would be suitable for 1-2 horses to highline but not ideal. The possible sites are also a long walk to the water as none of the designated sites are on the lake shores. Ride to Golden Lake for better backcountry stock camp options.
Cell Service: Verizon service in camp is excellent. Semi reliable coverage at Green Lake itself but spotty along the trail.
GPX File:
OHT: Todd Creek HC to Green Lake
Map:
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Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all. 
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