Mt. Thielsen Standard Summit Route and Ski Descent

Hiking in Oregon

Nearby Guides

Mt. Thielsen Standard Summit Route and Ski Descent

Viewed 3787 times

(0 votes)

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 8.8 miles / 14.2 km
Duration: Full day

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: This is a fantastic ski mountaineering trip. One of the few where you can ski directly back to your vehicle without much pushing involved with your poles. It was winter so the gps track here follows the actual trail very well but may be a couple hundred feet off from the trail on the ascent. On the descent we went wherever the good snow was but kept close to our ascent track to return directly to our car. The summit is about an 80 foot steep spire that is not advisable to climb if there is snow and ice without a rope. It's got a ton of exposure and a fall would be deadly. When you get to the base of it, you'll see that it is not skiable anyway. Near the top be aware that there will be cornices so stay away from any edges.

Tips: The trailhead is directly across the street from Diamond Lake off of Route 138. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here.

Points of Interest

map

Northwest Ridge

Climbing the Northwest Ridge Towards the summit. Look at the summit to see why this is called the Lightning Rod of the Cascades. In bad weather don't even continue from here.

map

Summit or start of Descent

The top. Check out the photos of what the summit spire looks like. Other photos are from the top of the spire showing the extreme exposure. This is not safe to climb unless you are an experienced mountaineer. In the summer when the rocks are dry and free of snow it's much safer. You'll have views of Mt. Bailey and towards Crater Lake.