 | | Agency: | USDA Forest Service | | Location: | 2 hours east of Medford or Roseburg, Oregon in the Southern Oregon Cascades. | | Difficulty: | Most Difficult | | Distance: | 5 miles (round trip) | | High Point: | 9,182 feet | | Season: | July through September or first snow. |
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DescriptionAs a kid my family went on annual fishing trips at Diamond Lake, under the watchful glare of forbidding Mount Thielsen. I always looked up at the seemingly needle-sharp summit and tried to imagine if there could ever be a way to get to the top. Several years later, I found out there actually was a way, and one summer day I look off from my summer job at Crater Lake to do the deed. I brought a friend along for moral support, and to report back to the company should I meet an untimely demise.The trail passes through lodgepole pine for the first mile on a steep and, at time, badly eroded trail. The mountain hemlock-true fir type is predominant. Inviting glimpses of Mt. Thielsen are evident as one progresses, and a breathtaking view of the mountain presents itself just beyond the Spruce Ridge Trail junction 1.6 miles. As you reach the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail 2.9 miles, the glacial features of this volcanic peak loom before you. From the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, a scramble trail works its way to the spire pointed peak at 9,182 feet elevation. The trail is a steep climb, particularly above timberline beyond which there are no markers. The last 200 feet is a difficult hand-over-hand climb. Elevation gain is 3,782 feet. Hiking boots and caution are highly recommended for climbing on the loose rocky slopes. Those brave and energetic enough to make it to the top, should add their names to the climbing register found there. The view of the east and west sides of the Cascades, from the Sisters to Mt. Shasta, is unsurpassed. The view straight down is, well, straight down, about 2000 feet I'd reckon. This trail is used in the winter time by Nordic skiers up to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. AccessGo 1.5 miles north of the Highway 230/Highway 138 road junction near Diamond Lake.
The trailhead parking lot is located along the east side of Highway 138. Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at this trailhead. Umpqua National Forest Recreation Map reference number is L-6. Located at Township 28 south, Range 5 1/2 east, Section 16.Links
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