This ride starts out of Three Creek Meadow Horse Camp. For those who have a willing and able horse for a long ride with big elevation gain, you only need a self-issued wilderness permit from this trailhead – no need for the pre-reserved Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. This ride goes through a burn for a bit, but it’s grown back enough to have pops of wildflowers to enjoy.
Trail Stats:
- 20.4 miles lollipop loop
- Elevation Gain: 3,282 feet
- Elevation Loss: 3,248 feet
- Max Elevation: 7,028 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult – due to mileage and elevation gain.
↗ What does this mean? - Footing: Single track dirt trail, some very short sections of rock and debris.
- Hoof Protection: Barefoot OK if not sensitive.
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Facilities: Three Creek Meadow Horse Camp
Water Sources: Stock tank and creek in camp. Several creeks along the way and water access at the lakes.
Trail Info: Head out of the west side of horse camp on Three Creek Meadow Trail. Follow this trail for 0.2 miles. At the junction, veer right onto Metolius-Windigo Trail for 0.6 miles. At the next junction, turn left onto Park Meadow Trail and follow it for 1.8 miles to a 4-way junction. This spot can be confusing so pay attention to your map. Continue straight for another 2.9 miles. At the next junction keep left on Green Lakes Trail. After 0.4 miles you will come to a steep narrow section of trail, after another 1.1 miles you will come to a viewpoint of Broken Top. Continue for another 2.2 miles to the loose edge along the lake. It has continuously eroded over the years and is getting worse. Be careful in this area. After you’ve passed this continue another 0.1 miles to a junction of unmarked trails. From here you can explore the area.
Trail Challenges: Short section of narrow steep sidehill on Park Meadow Trail. Very loose unstable side cliff on side of lake – suggest hiking it. Water crossings. Huge elevation gain.
Permits: Self-issued wilderness permit at trailhead.
Backcountry Sites: Park Meadow, Reds Meadow.
Cell Service: Verizon – Spotty along trail. Best at Park Meadow and Green Lakes.
Fuel: Chevron (smaller rigs, can be busy) – 1001 Railway, Sisters, OR 97759
GPX File: OHT: Three Creek Meadow Horse Camp to Green Lakes
Maintained By: ?
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel 15.2 miles south on Forest Road 16 (Elm Street in Sisters).
Map:
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