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.

Main image

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.
Broken Top
44.0829, -121.6998

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.

Summer (Jul-Sep)
Jul-Sep · 0°C to 20°C (varies with elevation)
Snow-free approach on many routes, but afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Late Spring (May-Jun)
May-Jun · -5°C to 10°C
Higher elevations retain snow; suitable only for experienced mountaineers with snow gear.

Weather & Climate near Broken Top #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Heavy rain (273 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°

Weather

273 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Heavy rain (210 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°

Weather

191 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Heavy rain (265 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

265 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (292 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

292 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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