What an amazing and gorgeous hike! Get fantastic views of the lakes and mountains in the area.Be prepared for an uphill hike most of the way and eventhough it is June we were caught in a mix of sunshine and snow at times. We were staying in Redmond and didnt quite think that we would be dealing with a 25 degree drop in temperature so layer up. Round-trip 6 miles.
Tam McArthur Rim trail is a gateway to Broken Top and its crater lake dubbed No Name Lake which sounds horrible to me for a name. It is a glacial cirque lake at the base of the Bend Glacier. The first time I saw this lake my husband and I were climbing up from the north side of Broken Top. We went over the ridge on Broken Top and saw this beautiful lake which was huge and we wondered why we never heard of its existence. It was a deep emerald green that day and mostly frozen. We were on Broken Top looking down on it when we discovered it that day about 20 years ago. Since I didnt see it on any maps named, I called it Emerald Lake at the time which echoed the color it had the first day I saw it. I think it deserves a beautiful name as I saw it as a jewel. I have been here dozens of times coming the long way via Tam McArthur Rim and Broken Hand. I feel as though I earn my way to see this hidden jewel. I noticed it was a thoroughfare of people coming from the Bend direction which seem to be getting there a little too easily as they seem to bring more people to this beautiful place which before held solitude for the hikers taking the long journey from Three Creek Lake. Tam McArthur Rim itself offers nice cliff views down to Three Creek Lake and to the Cascades including Three Sisters and the summit of Broken Top but those with extra endurance can proceed to the beautiful lake at the base of Broken Tops glacier. Obsidian dots the trail along the way as well as climbing a cinder cone ridge on the way to Broken Hand. From here it gets a little tricky crossing a rockslide or snowfield at times to get to the ridge connecting to Broken Top. The views are incredible here of the the Three Sisters, Broken Top with its glaciers and cirque lake, as well as the large crater where wildflowers flow downward toward the larger cirque lake. A lovely creek flows out of the lake and snow caves are along this creek at times. Icebergs float in the lake until late summer. This area is incredible with all its beauty and wonder. Broken Tops jagged face and striation are magnificent to behold.
Visited here Monday 7/20/2020, arrived at 1:50 am, there were 9 cars. There is no parking area for this TH, you just park on the side of the road. No bathrooms here either unless you drive to one of the campgrounds.no handicap parking and not handicap accessible. Might be ok for young children there are steep drop offs at the rim and on parts of the trail, as well as some rocky areas of the trail close to the TH. Trail is in good condition. Make sure you have an America the beautiful pass ($80), Northwest Forrest pass ($30) or pre purchase a day pass ($5) before you arrive as there is no fee box here. Make sure you also have a map of the area. No cell reception at TH. Road in is gravel, potholed, rocky and washboard, any car can make it with cautious driving.Had the rim all to ourselves for Sunrise. Beautiful Sunrise up there. We continued on to see if we could get to no name lake. Make sure you have a map of the area.the trails can get a bit confusing. At one point you have to scramble over boulders. There are 2 snow fields before broken hand that are not hard to pass, the 3rd snowfield before broken hand is steep, you can go around it or cross it. Might need micros. The snow was pretty soft when we were out there. We saw a backpacker before the scramble camping in the middle of the trail.At broken hand there is a large, steep looking snowfield to get to before no name lake the access to snowfield looked a bit sketchy. My friend and I checked out the trail that goes around the east side of BH, but it ends with trees smashed up to the rock wall and we did not feel safe getting through with our big packs on. We decided not to cross the snow field as my friend was low on energy, so we turned around here.Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Theres not much shade here and there were bugs up high (mosquitoes).Bring plenty of water as well.Think we saw 30 people total most of them at the rim or heading up to the rim. Got back to our cars at 1:30 pm and it was busy. Lots of people enjoying the lake on a hot day.10.35 miles w/1816ft Elevation gain.Campgrounds were open when we went.
One of the best hikes in the Bend area by far. The trail condition is good overall with a few loose rocky sections. Steeper then average it can be a physical challenge for those who lack fitness. Spectacular views at the top make it well worthwhile. You can hike from the lookout to Broken Top and make a long day out of it. Sometimes crowded and parking at the trailhead can be a challenge. 5 stars for sure.
Trailhead is just before you can see the lake on the left. The first mile is a little difficult and about 3/4 of the way there is some steeper climbing before you get to the cliff line. Its about 5 1/2 miles in and out. Spectacular views of the Sisters and surrounding mountains. I would rate this a 6 1/2 out of 10 in difficulty. A fantastic hike not too far from Sisters Downton.
Great hike with spectacular views. One of my favorites. Start at 6400 ft elevation and get to the top of the ridge in 2.75 miles and about 7800 ft elevation. We kept going for another 2 miles to 8000 ft elevation and got to the near Broken Top. Stopped because of snow. Next time I am going farther and looking at the lake in the crater at Broken Top.
Beautiful hike. Views of the Sisters, Broken Top, Three Creeks Lake, amazing trails and elevation just 25 minutes from Sisters, OR. 5/5 rating and will absolutely hike it again.Note: when the road turns from pavement to gravel be prepared for some SERIOUS washboarding. Not bumpy, literal WAVES in the gravel road that rock the car from side to side like you just drove into the ocean. Decent suspension is a must. I would not go up there in a Prius, but an Audi A4 was parked up there, couple CRVs, if you take it slow its fine but youre not getting a Smart Car up there or a lowered street car.Note: It was my own mistake, but I got a really solid sunburn on that hike from the altitude and general exposure up there. The first mile or so is wooded but once youre up to the Rim and beyond its rocky and exposed. Wide hat, lotion, whatever you have to do, make sure you bring something to shield the sun. It is also very dusty/silty up there in places, almost like beach sand so low cut shoes will be filled with dust and dirt rapidly. Boots recommended. Very windy from the Rim to Broken Top so dont lose your hat, glasses, etc.Note: There is a dead elk in No Name Lake (at the base of Broken Top) so that water is a NO. GO. Beautiful for pictures but do not drink or swim in it.
The campgrounds as of 07/10/2020 are still closed but disbursed camping is available. This is a very busy site on the weekends but has amazing views. The mosquitoes are pretty annoying at this time and will continue to be for at least a few more weeks. The road getting here is a bit rough so I wouldnt recommend small 2wd cars unless you plan on going slow.
Awesome little spot to camp or just chill out for the day.
This hike is sort of a pain to get to the base of because of how you have to go past sisters and then curve back. That being said, the roads to get there are easily navigable.The trail itself starts at the lake, and curves you around the south of it as you gain elevation. At the end of the trail, youre rewarded with a great view of the valley, and a so-close-you-could-touch view of the Sisters. If the day is clear you can even see as far as the tip of Mt St Helens.
Awesome hike to where you can see over the beautiful lakes and if you run fast enough you can jump into 3creeks lake if you wanted to. Bring a parachute.
Easiest awesome hiking view trail in Oregon
This is a special hike for me and will always hold a place in my heart. Not just for the views up at the rim, but for sentimental reasons. Its a very nice, 5.5 mile out and back hike with the option to extend it further if you would like to start up Broken Top. Otherwise, it is a very reasonable climb up over distance, enough to make you sweat and feel good, but not enough that youre overly exhausted.
Beautiful hike. Trailhead can get crowded in summer, though.
All around great hike with great views.
Amazing hike, really feel like youre standing among giants when gazing at the mountains. The lake down below is beautiful as well.
Beautiful scenery all the way.
Superb views once you’re on top - but do hike the extra 1,5 miles towards the red butte, the views are even more stumning - streneous but absolutelly worth it (90+ min walk to top, add 30+ min to red butte)
This is a great Central Oregon hike! Just over 2.5 miles to the top, the views are spectacular! We had some smoke today from a fire in SW Oregon, but everyone in our group loved the experience. Quite a ways out of Sisters, OR, but if you have time, well worth it.
Gorgeous views l
Beautiful hike :) went in September. Rainy and still gorgeous.
Beautiful area
Not bad.
Didnt get to the top because of the 40 mph gusts, but still beautiful views
Amazing!
Great place to camp, hike, fish, and just relax
Among my most favorite hikes in Oregon, this can be done as a day hike from Portland or Eugene while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the views from up top and stop in Sisters for an early dinner on the way back.This hike should be on the must-do-at-least-once list for anyone who loves the Oregon outdoors and is up for the trek up some switchbacks to reach the top of the rim. Stay hydrated during this hike, as there arent many shady spots atop the rim.There is no cell-phone coverage at the trail head or lake below, but the signal is surprisingly good at the Mac Point overlook when you reach the top. Send someone a photo to make them jealous of where you are and what you can see from up there. The view is truly spectacular and worth the hike up.
Beautiful lunch spot on the top flat section right of center, views forever. Trails to the back country.
Awesome starting point to hike to broken Top. Trailhead has no facilities but a couple of campgrounds on lake by trailhead do have vault toilets
Over the top views from the trsil
Im a smoker, and the incline at times is intense, but if you pace yourself its completely do able. And very much worth all the pain for the views.
Great day great hiking. Easy peasy
The view was worth it and it was a great hike for our whole family!
Beautiful Hike
Beautiful hiking areas
My favorite hike
Great hike, no parking
Beautiful area
Love it!
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