Broken Top
Mountain Stratovolcanic peak in the Cascade Range
Jagged volcanic summit in Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness, Broken Top draws hikers and scramble climbers for alpine ridgelines, meltwater streams, and Cascade views; approaches from trailheads near Bend are common for multi-day backpacking and spring ski tours.
Broken Top is a heavily eroded stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of central Oregon, with a summit elevation of 9,175 feet (2,797 meters). It lies within the Three Sisters Wilderness and is part of the volcanic terrain south of the Three Sisters volcanoes.
The mountain is known for steep, rocky ridges and alpine climbing routes rather than long hiking trails; routes commonly involve scrambling and glacier travel on nearby glaciers in the surrounding peaks. It is a frequent objective for climbers based in central Oregon because of its technical routes and panoramic views from the summit.
Broken Top was built by volcanic eruptions and subsequent glacial and subaerial erosion; most of its major volcanic construction occurred during the Pleistocene. Over time glaciation removed much of the original cone, leaving the jagged summit and ridgelines that give the mountain its name.
Geographically it sits in the central Cascade Range inside the Three Sisters Wilderness of Oregon, roughly southwest of the city of Bend. The landscape around it is high-elevation volcanic and glaciated terrain with nearby alpine lakes and other Cascade volcanoes.
- Elevation: The summit reaches 9,175 feet (2,797 meters).
- Recreation: Located inside the Three Sisters Wilderness, it is popular for mountaineering, scrambling and alpine routes.
How to Get to Broken Top #
Closest major town is Bend, Oregon. Access to trailheads is via Forest Service roads off Highway 20 and Highway 126; the common approach for Broken Top is from the Bachelor Mountain/Devil’s Lake trail systems or the Green Lakes area. Expect long, unpaved forest roads and prepare for limited cell coverage.
Tips for Visiting Broken Top #
- Start early: the mountain sits in the Three Sisters Wilderness near Bend and afternoon storms are common in summer.
- Trail choice matters - Broken Top requires scrambling on loose rock; bring route descriptions and consider a guide if unfamiliar with alpine navigation.
Best Time to Visit Broken Top #
Best climbed in mid-summer when snow has melted on standard routes; always check local conditions and weather forecasts.
Weather & Climate near Broken Top #
Broken Top's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -10°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1802 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Heavy rain (273 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Heavy rain (210 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Heavy rain (265 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (292 mm).