Todd Lake Loop Trail: An Easy Hike Near Bend, Oregon

Todd Lake Loop Trail on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is an easy hike near Bend, Oregon. This short trail offers beautiful views of Broken Top and Mount Bachelor as you circle the lake. Depending on the time of year, you may see vibrant wildflowers in the spring or a stunning white winter landscape.

The Todd Lake Loop Trail is a scenic 1.7-mile hike located near Bend, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest. This easy, family-friendly trail circles Todd Lake and offers stunning views of Cascade peaks like Broken Top and Mount Bachelor.

Along the way, you’ll meander through shady conifer forests filled with mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine, as well as open meadows that burst with colorful wildflowers in late spring and early summer. With minimal elevation gain, the loop is accessible to hikers of all skill levels and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

Todd Lake sits in a small glacial valley at the base of Broken Top and was formed around 13,000 years ago by retreating glaciers. Its waters—fed by snowmelt—drain into Todd Creek and eventually disappear into a lava field about two miles southwest.

Originally known as “Lost Lake” due to its hard-to-find location, the name was officially changed in 1922 to honor John Y. Todd, a Central Oregon pioneer who built the first bridge across the Deschutes River and established the Farewell Bend Ranch, which inspired the name of the city of Bend.

Today, Todd Lake is one of the most beautiful and beloved alpine lakes along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. It’s especially popular in summer for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

In winter, the area transforms into a quiet wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (though to access the lake in snowy months, visitors must start from either the Mount Bachelor Nordic Center or Dutchman Sno-Park, about 1.8 miles east of the lake).

If you’re looking for picturesque destinations to visit near Bend, plan a day trip to Todd Lake and enjoy a relaxing hike around its shoreline. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking this scenic loop trail.

Best time to hike the Todd Lake Loop Trail

The best time to hike the Todd Lake Loop Trail is from late June through early October, when the trail is free of snow and the weather is at its most pleasant.

During the summer months, hikers can enjoy warm temperatures, clear skies, and a vibrant alpine landscape filled with wildflowers. The lake itself is especially scenic in mid-to-late summer, reflecting the towering peaks of the Cascade Range.

For those who prefer fewer crowds, early fall is an excellent time to visit. September and early October bring cooler temperatures, golden hues in the foliage, and a more peaceful hiking experience.

However, keep in mind that colder weather can arrive unexpectedly in the mountains, so it’s always good to check the forecast before heading out. Snow can begin accumulating as early as mid-October, making the trail less accessible.

How to hike the Todd Lake Loop Trail

Breathe in crisp mountain air and take in sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains as you circle the pristine waters of Todd Lake! Sitting at an elevation of 6,150 feet, this subalpine lake can feel chilly in the shoulder seasons—so if you’re hiking in early spring or fall, be sure to pack a few warm layers.

From the Todd Lake Day Use Area, it’s a short stroll to the lakeshore, where you’ll find picnic tables, fire pits, and a vault toilet. There’s also a small, primitive campground with just three tent-only sites offering a peaceful wilderness experience for hikers wanting to stay overnight.

Before starting the hike around Todd Lake, I recommend pausing at the open meadow near the trailhead for a stunning view of Todd Lake with Broken Top rising dramatically in the background. This is one of the most photogenic spots along the trail and makes for a perfect photo op.

You can hike this loop trail in either direction; we went counterclockwise, starting through a shaded conifer forest filled with mountain hemlock, lodgepole pine, and fir trees.

During our late June hike, we were surprised by how much snow was still on the trail. As we weren’t wearing hiking boots, we ended up sloshing along in soggy socks and tennis shoes.

As the trail winds around the lake, you’ll reach a large open meadow at the far end. In late spring and early summer, this area explodes with wildflowers—and depending on the snowpack, it may also be wet, muddy, or even partially snow-covered.

Todd Lake is well-known for its dazzling summer wildflower displays. In fact, it has been designated a Pacific Northwest Region Wildflower Viewing Area by the U.S. Forest Service.

Bloom season typically runs from late June through mid-August, with peak bloom in mid-July. Early bloomers like Jeffrey’s shooting star and white marsh marigold appear in the wet meadows first, followed by Newberry’s knotweed and Elephant’s Head on drier slopes along the lakeshore.

Other common wildflowers you might see along the trail include Gorman’s buttercup, alpine asters, Indian paintbrush, small-flowered paintbrush, high mountain cinquefoil, swamp laurel, yellow and Lewis monkeyflowers, arrowleaf groundsel, and false asphodel.

Also from the far northern side of Todd Lake, you’ll be treated to excellent views of Mount Bachelor—another great photo stop. Enjoy the mountain views here while you can because the trail will head back through more forested sections before ending back at the trailhead.

Todd Lake supports over 160 species of birds, including seven types of owls, waterfowl, hummingbirds, songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors. It’s a bird lover’s paradise—so don’t forget your binoculars!

We spotted several species, including a few that curiously landed on our hands and shoulders. They were clearly very used to human visitors.

The forest surrounding Todd Lake is home to black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, coyotes, black bears, bobcats, cougars, badgers, beavers, porcupines, raccoons, and various small mammals like martens, minks, and weasels.

In the lake, Brook trout, frogs, and salamanders thrive. So keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you complete the loop trail around Todd Lake.

Permits and fees

Todd Lake is part of the Deschutes National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. From May through September, a fee is required to visit Todd Lake and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Here are the available passes and their prices:

• Day ePass: $5 (Daily)
• Northwest Forest Pass: $30 (Annual)
• Interagency Annual Pass: $80 (Annual)

Tips for hiking the Todd Lake Loop Trail

• During summer Todd Lake is a very popular destination, especially on weekends. Plan accordingly i.e. arrive early to get a parking spot or be prepared to wait for someone to leave.

• If visiting in spring or early summer, be prepared for a significant amount of snow on the trail. I recommend wearing waterproof boots if possible unless you want to hike in wet sneakers.

• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is at a higher elevation than Bend and therefore usually always a few degrees cooler. Pack some light layers for your hike just incase, particularly if you plan to hike in the late afternoon.

• There is no potable water, you’ll need to bring your own. You could bring a water filtering bottle as there are streams located along the trail. Be sure to keep water purifying tablets in your backpack incase of an emergency.

• Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be leased at all times according to posted rules.

Discover more hidden gems near Todd Lake

Devils Lake is a stunning alpine lake situated near the base of South Sister Mountain. This lake is known for its clear, turquoise-colored water and is a popular spot for standup paddleboarding and camping.

South Sister Mountain is the tallest of Oregon’s Three Sisters, standing at 10,358 feet (3,157 meters), making it the third-highest peak in the state. Located in the Cascade Range, this stratovolcano is renowned for its challenging yet non-technical climb, attracting hikers and climbers eager to summit its peak.

Shaniko Ghost Town is a historic relic of Oregon’s Wild West past, located in north-central Oregon. Today, visitors can explore preserved and weathered buildings like the old hotel, jail, schoolhouse, and general store, offering a glimpse into the life of a once-thriving frontier town.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile route through the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon. This scenic drive offers stunning views of alpine lakes, volcanic peaks, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Along the byway, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.

Where to stay near Todd Lake

Soda Creek Campground is a small campground tucked into the forest just off Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway near Sparks Lake. Set near the base of South Sister and Broken Top, it is the perfect base camp for hikers wanting to summit nearby mountains and explore the surrounding lakes.

Elk Lake Resort, located along Cascade Lakes Highway offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences. Guests can choose from rustic cabins, RV, or tent sites, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Elk Lake.

Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon, is a premier resort nestled along the scenic Deschutes River. The lodge offers guest rooms featuring private patios or balconies with river views, fireplaces, and upscale amenities. Amenities include both indoor and outdoor heated pools, a hot tub, and a restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Where is the Todd Lake Trailhead?

To reach the Todd Lake Trailhead from Bend, head west on Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway (Highway 46) for approximately 24 miles. Watch for Forest Road 4600-370, where you’ll turn off and continue for about 0.5 miles to reach the trailhead. The area is well-marked, making it easy to find the turn-off as you approach Todd Lake.

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