Todd Lake is one of those places that feels like a much bigger adventure than it actually is. It's located in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest, about 30 minutes outside of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Highway. At roughly 6,100 feet, it sits below Broken Top and just west of Mount Bachelor.

The loop around the lake is only about 1.8 miles, but there's a lot packed into it. You get calm water, mountain reflections, forest, wet meadows, little streams, boardwalks, and some really beautiful wildflowers. The north-shore meadow is actually recognized by the U.S. Forest Service as a Pacific Northwest wildflower viewing area.

Video Walkthrough Guide

Click the Play Button above for the Video Guide, or continue down to read the Full Review.

Quick Facts

Difficulty: Easy
Hike Length: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 75 ft.
Hike Type: Loop***
Pass Required: Yes*
When to Visit: Summer – Fall**
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Kids: Yes
Facilities: Toilet, Picnic Tables

*A federal recreation pass is required for parking. Passes are available at the trailhead, and the Northwest Forest Pass and America the Beautiful Pass are also accepted.

**The access road is seasonal, and snow can linger into late June. Summer weekends can be very busy, so check current conditions and arrive early if possible.

***The Todd Lake Loop Trail #34.1 doesn't require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. A permit is required during permit season if you continue onto Todd Lake Trail #34 and enter the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Is Todd Lake worth visiting? I definitely think so. It's one of the easiest ways to experience an alpine lake near Bend, and the short loop still gives you mountain views, forest, streams, shoreline access, and some really beautiful wildflower meadows.

When is the best time to hike around Todd Lake? Summer through early fall is usually the most reliable time for road and trail access. If you're hoping to see wildflowers, summer is the better choice. The exact timing changes with the snowpack, though, and muddy sections can stick around after the road opens.

How difficult is the Todd Lake Loop? The 1.8-mile loop is easy, with only about 75 feet of elevation gain. The trail isn't completely flat, but the inclines are mild. Mud around the north-shore meadow will probably be a bigger concern for most people than the elevation.

Do I need a wilderness permit for Todd Lake? You don't need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit to hike the Todd Lake Loop Trail #34.1. You will need one during permit season if you leave the loop and continue onto Todd Lake Trail #34 into the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Do I need a parking pass at Todd Lake? Yes. Parking requires a federal recreation pass. You can purchase one at the trailhead, or use an accepted pass such as the Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

Getting There

Getting to Todd Lake is pretty simple. From Bend, follow the Cascade Lakes Highway west for about 24 miles. Shortly after passing Mount Bachelor, turn right onto Forest Service Road 4600-370 and follow it for about half a mile to the trailhead.

That last half-mile is the part worth knowing about. The forest road isn't very long, but it can be narrow, bumpy, and pretty rough in places. I've seen regular passenger cars make the drive, and Recreation.gov says it's accessible to most vehicles, but a higher-clearance vehicle will definitely make it more comfortable. RVs and trailers aren't recommended.

The road is also seasonal. Snow can stick around into early summer, sometimes through late June, so it's always a good idea to check the current Deschutes National Forest conditions before heading out.

Parking, Passes, and Facilities

There's room for around 15 cars at the trailhead. That sounds like a decent amount for a small lake, but it fills up quickly on summer weekends. People sometimes park along the entrance road, but make sure you're following the posted signs and leaving enough room for emergency vehicles. If possible, I'd try to get here early or come on a weekday.

You'll need a federal recreation pass to park. A National Forest Recreation Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or another accepted Federal Lands Interagency Pass will work. There's normally a kiosk and QR code on the trailhead signage if you still need to buy one.

One thing that can be confusing is the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. You don't need the limited-entry permit just to hike to or around Todd Lake. You only need it during the regulated season if you continue onto Todd Trail and enter the Three Sisters Wilderness.

There's usually a trash can near the parking area. The toilet isn't directly in the parking lot, but you'll reach it a short distance up the trail near the main informational sign. There are also picnic tables and a few benches closer to the lake.

A Small Waterfall Along Todd Creek

Before you start walking toward the lake, there's one little spot that's really easy to miss. Near the beginning of the parking area, a short side trail follows Todd Creek to a small cascade surrounded by foliage and occasional wildflowers.

As far as I can tell, it doesn't have an official name, but I refer to it as Todd Creek Falls. It's definitely not a large waterfall, but I think it's still worth checking out before or after the main hike.

The Trail to Todd Lake

The main trail starts on a wide road behind a gate and climbs very gently alongside Todd Creek. There are a few places where you can step closer to the water, and depending on the time of year, the grass and creek banks can be full of wildflowers.

After roughly one-tenth of a mile, you'll reach an informational sign, the toilet, and the first main fork. Going left takes you toward the picnic area. Going right starts the loop in a counterclockwise direction.

A little farther ahead, another short fork leads left to a designated viewing area with a bench. This is where you'll get your first open view across Todd Lake, with Broken Top rising above the trees. Even if you don't want to hike the entire loop, I think the short walk to this viewpoint is worth it.

Some parts of the shoreline and meadow may be fenced for restoration. When I visited, there were signs asking people to stay behind the fence. Please follow the posted rules and stay on the designated path. The wet meadows here are pretty fragile.

Hiking Around Todd Lake

From the viewpoint, I continued to the right around the lake. The trail stays easy and is well maintained for most of the loop. It isn't completely flat, but the inclines and declines are pretty mild.

The trail moves in and out of the forest, sometimes right along the shoreline and sometimes a little farther away. There are plenty of side paths where you can step down to the water. If you're here early enough, the lake can be incredibly calm and the reflections are amazing.

Dogs are welcome, but they need to remain on a leash. Todd Lake is also a really nice place for kayaking or paddleboarding. Motors aren't allowed, which helps keep it pretty peaceful.

Wildflower Meadows and Mountain Views

The north side of the lake was probably my favorite part of the hike. The forest opens into wet meadows with little streams running through them, and Mount Bachelor rises across the lake in the background.

Depending on when you visit, you might see plantainleaf buttercups covering parts of the meadow in yellow. There can also be purple Jeffrey's shooting star, larkspur, red paintbrush, and quite a few other wildflowers along the shoreline and stream banks.

Wooden boardwalks cross some of the wettest areas, but they don't cover everything. There were still quite a few muddy sections when I visited, so good hiking shoes are a really good idea. And even if you're trying to avoid the mud, do your best to stay on the established trail instead of creating a new path through the meadow.

Choosing a Trail Along the West Shore

On the west side of the lake, you'll reach another fork. The lower trail stays closer to the water, but it's less maintained and can be muddy or partially covered when the lake is higher. The upper trail stays in the forest and is generally easier to follow.

The water was low enough during my visit that I took the lower route. Earlier in the season, I would imagine the upper route may be the better option. Just use your judgment and avoid walking through any sensitive shoreline areas.

A Little History and Wildlife

Todd Lake was originally called Lost Lake by early pioneers. Since Oregon already had several other Lost Lakes, the name was eventually changed in honor of John Y. Todd, an early Central Oregon settler.

The lake is also home to western toads and Cascades frogs. During part of the summer, you may see large numbers of tiny amphibians near the shoreline after they've transformed from tadpoles. I didn't see them during my visit, but it's something I'd really like to come back for. If you do see them, watch your step and don't handle or collect them.

Todd Lake is also a winter destination. Once the forest road closes, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can reach the area from around Mount Bachelor and Dutchman Flat. That's a completely different trip, though, and you'll need the right equipment and current snow information.

Picnic Area and Final Thoughts

As you finish the loop, you'll come to the picnic area near the southern end of the lake. There are several tables and benches here, along with another beautiful view of Broken Top across the water. If you don't want to do the entire hike, you could easily just walk up to the lake, have a picnic, and enjoy the viewpoint.

Todd Lake is popular for a reason. It's close to Bend, the hike is easy, and you get an incredible amount of scenery in a pretty short loop. If you can get here early or visit on a weekday, it can still feel really peaceful.

Between the mountain reflections, wildflower meadows, forest, and little streams, this has become one of my favorite easy hikes in the area. I hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself!

Happy exploring 🌿

Todd Lake | An Easy Alpine Lake and Wildflower Hike Near Bend, Oregon

Video Walkthrough Guide