No Name Lake
Theres nothing that beats the alpine lakes of Montana, but I about half lost my mind when I saw what No Name Lake had to offer.
A simple enough out and back approach, No Name Lake is accessed from multiple different trailheads in the Deschutes National Forest of Oregon. We opted to take the approach from the Crater Ditch Trailhead, as we wanted to stretch our legs. Though you can approach the lake from Broken Top Trailhead, which is a shorter distance.
Before you get started on your journey, you’ll need to pickup some permits for the hike from rec.gov. You can snag the ones for the Crater Ditch Approach here, and the ones for Broken Top Approach here. Be sure to search for the permits via the trailhead approach name, not the name of the lake.
A casual 8 miles, or 9 if you spend your time galavanting around the crater as we did. You’ll find yourself in the alpine dreamscape. Our record accounted for 1,600 feet in gain, though I would give or take that 200 feet.
The approach starts out with a four mile 4x4 road that had the worst reviews I had seen on an All Trails comments section. I can attest, the road is not nearly as bad as described. I will say there are a few sections that truly require a high clearance vehicle and 4 wheel drive, but it’s very manageable. Please don’t attempt in a corolla. I heard rumors that pro-masters have made it to the trailhead…
Once parked, make sure to geek out on the fact that your alpine quest won’t require hours of grueling treeline, but instead a nice few mile cruise through some lightly wooded alpine trees. You’ll weave northwest in and out of the trees alongside a ditch till you come to a little water crossing, which will invite you then up and to the northeast. You’ll soon straighten out north again, climbing. Take in the views to your west of Broken Top Peak and Crook Glacier, teasing you further to your your destination.
The final reveal before the lake is a rocky climb up through a gully. You won’t be able to see the lake till you’re at its bank. A surprise that will surely make you squeal with joy!
Once you arrive at the lake you can take all the time you want to continue on along its eastern shoreline and up and over to the ridge. You’ll take in breathtaking views all around while allowing yourself to explore many angels of the lake itself.
If you’re brave enough be sure to jump in for a cold dip that will chill you to your bones, and if it’s early enough in the year you may even be able to swim out to a floating iceberg!
The sheer combination of natural beauty, a good long walk are one thing, but the company you keep in these alpine moments is what burns the memory into your heart.
I invite you to what I would deem a moderate, soul inspiring hike into the alpine.
It’s where I most enjoy my life.
