Park Meadow + Green Lakes via Pole Creek Trailhead

Green Lakes is one of the most popular destinations within the Three Sisters Wilderness, and for good reason - it's a stunningly beautiful area! While most commonly accessed via Green Lakes Trailhead off Cascade Lakes Highway, there are a few other ways to get here as well. One of these ways is via the Pole Creek and Green Lakes Trail.Begin the hike from the Pole Creek Trailhead. If you are day hiking you don't need to reserve a permit in advance, however for overnight stays a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required.From the trailhead you'll follow the Pole Creek Trail (#4072) up to where it intersects the Green Lakes Trail (#4070). Remain on the Green Lakes Trail for the remainder of the hike.You'll soon come to Soap Creek, the first of several small streams that you'll cross. The trail gains elevation as you hike through a section of burned forest.Pass a small pond and continue until you reach Park Meadow. This beautiful meadow area is a great place to take a break alongside the East Fork Park Creek and fill up on water.Continuing onward you'll gain better views of South Sister and Broken Top. A side trail leads to optional Golden Lake.Finally you'll crest the high point of this hike, then drop to the first of the Green Lakes. Be sure to continue to at least the second lake, which is the largest of the Green Lakes. The views of South Sister are simply stunning.If you are camping here (permit required) look for one of the several designated campsites in the area. Otherwise, return the way you came for a long, but mostly downhill, hike back to Pole Creek Trailhead.