Start at the Todd Lake trailhead before 7 am — the lot fills by 8 on summer weekends and the Cascade Lakes Highway closes at the first heavy snow, usually in early November.
The first three miles climb gently through hemlock and whitebark pine. After the Soda Creek junction the trees thin out and Broken Top fills the sky. Bring two liters of water per person; the only reliable refill is No Name Lake.
Permits: a free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead, plus a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) for parking.
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