u/mdoud10

Group of 10 heading out Thursday night. We have overnight permits for Pole Creek and Park Meadow. The NWS point forecast near Broken Top (7,600 ft) shows gusts to 30 on Friday, 40% rain turning to snow Friday night, and highs around 31 up high Saturday and Sunday. We're picking between three plans and would love input from anyone who's been in there in the last week or two.

1. Northern loop from Pole Creek, clockwise. Camp Lake, Chambers, down to the PCT at Separation Creek, then Obsidian, Opie Dilldock and Matthieu Lakes back to Pole Creek. About 36 mi.
2. Broken Top loop from the Park Meadow TH, clockwise. Taking the low line across the bowl to the Ball Butte saddle instead of the ridge over Broken Hand. About 25 mi.
3. The bail-friendly version. Pole Creek to Soap Creek, day hike to Camp Lake. Then the Green Lakes Trail to Park Meadow, day hike to Green Lakes Pass, and out to the Park Meadow TH.

What we're trying to figure out:

• Has anyone crossed Chambers or gone past Broken Hand recently? Any snow or ice yet?
• How's the lava around Opie Dilldock holding up on cold mornings?
• Is Alder Creek still running? Does Golden Lake have any water?
• Is there room around the Soap Creek junction for 10 people across a few tents?
• Is the Three Creek Lake campground gate still open this late?
• If you were us, which would you pick on this forecast?

Any local knowledge appreciated.

Group of 10 heading out Thursday night. We have overnight permits for Pole Creek and Park Meadow. The NWS point forecast near Broken Top (7,600 ft) shows gusts to 30 on Friday, 40% rain turning to snow Friday night, and highs around 31 up high Saturday and Sunday. We're picking between three plans and would love input from anyone who's been in there in the last week or two.

1. Northern loop from Pole Creek, clockwise. Camp Lake, Chambers, down to the PCT at Separation Creek, then Obsidian, Opie Dilldock and Matthieu Lakes back to Pole Creek. About 36 mi.
2. Broken Top loop from the Park Meadow TH, clockwise. Taking the low line across the bowl to the Ball Butte saddle instead of the ridge over Broken Hand. About 25 mi.
3. The bail-friendly version. Pole Creek to Soap Creek, day hike to Camp Lake. Then the Green Lakes Trail to Park Meadow, day hike to Green Lakes Pass, and out to the Park Meadow TH.

What we're trying to figure out:

• Has anyone crossed Chambers or gone past Broken Hand recently? Any snow or ice yet?
• How's the lava around Opie Dilldock holding up on cold mornings?
• Is Alder Creek still running? Does Golden Lake have any water?
• Is there room around the Soap Creek junction for 10 people across a few tents?
• Is the Three Creek Lake campground gate still open this late?
• If you were us, which would you pick on this forecast?

Any local knowledge appreciated.