2014 Oregon Road Trip
Day 5
Day 5
Mount Thielsen is an iconic Southern Oregon peak, nicknamed the "Lightning Rod of the Cascades" due to its sharply pointed summit spire. It is a beautiful and very intimidating mountain. This was the most difficult climb of the entire trip.
The climb starts right near the shore of Diamond Lake and follows an obvious ridgeline up the mountain
After climbing the ridge line for a couple of miles, the trail gets really steep below the summit block. The ground is all loose talus slopes and the climbing is difficult. Once you actually reach the summit pinnacle, there is about 50 feet of simi-technical rock climbing to reach the true summit.
The view from the top is brilliant, as far as the eye can see in all directions. I spent quite a long time on top enjoying the accomplishment. What an amazing mountain.
Returning to camp, I had a victory cigar and was treated to an amazing sunset over the summit I had just stood on.