Broken Top

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.

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.

• 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.