Broken Top Elopement

Broken Top Mountian is one of the best places to Elope in Bend. The hike to the top is relatively easy and the trailhead is only one hour from downtown Bend.

2021 Permit Update

Permits are now required to hike in the wilderness (from May 28th – September 24th). Which includes Broken Top. Permits are released 7 days prior at 7 am. Head here to plan how to grab your permit.

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675312

How to Hike Broken Top

Broken Top Mountian is also called Broken Top Crater. The small glacial lake that sits in the crater at an altitude of around 8000 feet. In the summer months, you can drive to the Broken Top Crater Trailhead, and from there the hike takes most hikers around one hour. From the months of November to the end of May the road is usually closed and you will have to park at Todd Lake. Hiking from Todd lake adds quite a bit of time and would probably require an overnight stay.

Best times of Day

The best time of day for pictures is late in the afternoon, just before the sun hits the peaks and just after. You can also hike up in the dark before sunrise if you are an early riser. Taking photos in the afternoon will give you a longer window for portraits.

Weather

During the winter months, you can guarantee that the mountains and crater will be covered in snow. Broken Top Crater is wilderness, so it is off-limits to snowmobiles, so you would have to snowshoe from the trailhead. The months of July and August you are pretty much guaranteed to have access to the trailhead. You may still have to travel over a few large patches of snow, but the trail should be very visible. You can also jump in the lake for a short cold swim in July and August. August is also fire season, so there is a strong chance that your hike maybe a little smokey. From mid-September to the end of October, you should plan for some cold or freezing weather after the sun goes down. And by mid-November, the road usually closes.

Other Things to Know

You will have to fill out a registration card at the trailhead, and your party may not exceed 12.