We have hiked from Three Creek Lake past Tam McArthur Rim toward Broken Top and No Name Lake several times, but the same trail is never quite the same hike. Weather, snow, smoke and trail conditions can completely change the experience. On September 22, 2026, remarkably clear skies gave us some of the longest views we have ever had from this route—and, for the first time, we watched a climber reach the summit of Broken Top.
Our route also differed from previous trips. We followed the maintained trail to Tam McArthur Rim, continued on the well-defined but unmaintained trail toward Broken Hand, and then took a much fainter path around the formation to meet the primary route to No Name Lake. After visiting the lake, the high overlook and our favorite lunch spot, we returned around the opposite side of Broken Hand.
By the time we reached the car, we had traveled 11.71 miles and climbed approximately 2,200 feet.
The hike...