Green Lakes Trail via Fall Creek - This hike is one of the most beautiful I've been on. It is 8.4 miles round trip with 1100 feet elevation gain. The elevation gain is spread out over the entire trip so none of it is very steep. The trailhead is off the Cascade Lakes Highway 4.4 miles past the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area in Central Oregon. Turn right at the sign for the Green lakes Trailhead.

One of the things that makes this hike so wonderful is that it follows Fall Creek all the way so you are treated to waterfalls and the sound of the creek as you climb. There is quite a bit of shade except at the top. As you get part way up, you start to get views of Broken Top and South Sister and at the top, you find yourself at beautiful Green Lake with South Sister on one side and Broken Top on the other. It is stunning. You can return the same way or return by the Soda Creek Trail which is a little longer.

As you will see from my photos, there are many types of mushrooms along this trail - many more than I show. While you might think you would find these in damp weather, I found them in late August/September. Very interesting.