Broken Top Elopement

Broken Top Mountain is one of the best places to Elope in Bend. The hike to the top is relatively easy, and the trailhead is only one hour from downtown Bend.

Plan your trail access

Check the official Central Cascades day-use permit page for current trailhead requirements, available dates, and reservation windows.

How to Hike Broken Top

Broken Top Mountain is also called Broken Top Crater. The small glacial lake that sits in the crater at an altitude of around 8000 feet. In the summer months, you can drive to the Broken Top Crater Trailhead, and from there, the hike takes most hikers around one hour. From the months of November to the end of May, the road is usually closed, and you will have to park at Todd Lake. Hiking from Todd Lake adds quite a bit of time and would probably require an overnight stay.

Best Times of Day

The best time of day for pictures is late in the afternoon, just before the sun hits the peaks and just after. You can also hike up in the dark before sunrise if you are an early riser. Taking photos in the afternoon will give you a longer window for portraits.

Weather

During the winter months, you can guarantee that the mountains and crater will be covered in snow. Broken Top Crater is wilderness, so it is off-limits to snowmobiles, so you would have to snowshoe from the trailhead. In the months of July and August, you are pretty much guaranteed to have access to the trailhead. You may still have to travel over a few large patches of snow, but the trail should be very visible. You can also jump in the lake for a short, cold swim in July and August. August is also fire season, so there is a strong chance that your hike may be a little smoky. From mid-September to the end of October, you should plan for some cold or freezing weather after the sun goes down. And by mid-November, the road usually closes.

Other Things to Know

You will have to fill out a registration card at the trailhead, and your party may not exceed 12.

Krista and Cory

Krista and Cory decided to tie the knot in a special place: a mountain top in Oregon. They wanted their wedding to be different, so they chose Broken Top Crater. This stunning spot offered breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.

On the day of the hike, a small group of friends joined them. They all started the trek together, feeling excited and cheerful. The path was rocky but beautiful, filled with the sights and sounds of nature. As they climbed, laughter echoed through the trees.

As the sun began to set, the sky turned a warm orange and pink. It was the perfect backdrop for their vows. Krista and Cory stood together, surrounded by friends and the beauty of the mountains. Their love was clear, shining brighter than the fading sunlight.

This moment was not just about the photos, but about the memories they created. Each candid shot captured the joy and emotion of the day. The beauty of Bend, Oregon, and the spirit of adventure came together. It was a true celebration of love, nature, and friendship.

The sunset was unforgettable, leaving everyone in awe. As the sky darkened, the laughter and joy continued. This hike was not just a wedding; it was a journey for all. The bond shared in the mountains would last a lifetime.

Moments like this remind us that love can thrive in the simplest places. It reminds us to embrace nature and cherish those we hold dear. Every photo captured that essence, showing the magic of a mountain wedding.