Thatoregonlife iconThatoregonlifeJul 11, 2026

This Otherworldly Oregon Hike Leads to a Turquoise Lake Inside a Volcanic Crate

There is a moment on the hike toward Broken Top when Central Oregon seems to change worlds. Ahead, the mountain rises in jagged layers of rust, charcoal, purple, and faded red.

This Otherworldly Oregon Hike Leads to a Turquoise Lake Inside a Volcanic Crate

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There is a moment on the hike toward Broken Top when Central Oregon seems to change worlds.

Ahead, the mountain rises in jagged layers of rust, charcoal, purple, and faded red.

The ground becomes lighter, dustier, and increasingly volcanic.

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There is a moment on the hike toward Broken Top when Central Oregon seems to change worlds. Ahead, the mountain rises in jagged layers of rust, charcoal, purple, and faded red. The ground becomes lighter, dustier, and increasingly volcanic.

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The ground becomes lighter, dustier, and increasingly volcanic.

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