Contact Info
1230 NE 3rd St.
Suite A-262
Bend, OR 97701
- Phone:
- 541-383-4000
Basics
- Length:
- 4.5 miles one-way
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 2.5 - 3.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 5230 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 5230 feet to 6000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 770 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- June to October
Description
After crossing a flat lodgepole pine forested lava flow, the trail ascends steadily up the Soda Creek drainage through several vegetation zones. This is a primitive trail with no footbridges over streams, thus requiring hazardous fords at high water during early season snow melt. Upper elevation portion of this trail does not usually melt free of snow until mid-summer. The trail is named for a hard-to-find soda spring along the creek. Those seeking a loop hike are encouraged to avoid the Green Lakes Trail and South Sister Climbers Trail on weekends, due to over use. By employing a short bike or car shuttle between trailheads, alternate loops can tie in with the Todd Lake Trail or the Wickiup Plains Trail.
The Soda Creek Trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness Area shortly after leaving the trailhead. Wilderness Permits are required for both day-use and overnight travel in the Wilderness from Memorial Day Weekend until Oct. 31. Permits are available at the trailhead.
Camping at Green Lakes, 4.4 miles from trailhead, is restricted to designated campsites only, typically full by Friday evening each weekend. Campfires are not permitted within 1/4 mile of the lakes to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Details
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
This trail begins at the east end of the Green Lakes Trailhead, which is 27 miles west of Bend on Century Drive.
