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Mt. Thielsen

MT. THIELSEN

Mt. Thielsen from Crater Lake in Winter

 

bullet Climb 8 miles with 3,870'(1,177m) elevation gain
bullet This is a three-day trip departing from Portland, OR.
bullet Price includes guides, round-trip transportation from Portland, OR, tents, equipment, and meals.
bullet Climb anytime June - October when guides are available.
 

Go to Sign-up Form, call (866) 936-0910, or e-mail to make your reservation.  A 50% deposit is required.  For cancellations, we will retain $25.00 of the deposit to cover the non-refundable permit charge if the spot is not filled.

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Mt. Theilsen is the seventh highest peak in Oregon.  In the early days, it was called Big Cowhorn to differentiate it from Little Cowhorn to the north. About 1872, it was named Mt. Thielsen by John A. Hulburt of Portland in honor of Hans Thielsen, a prominent railroad engineer and builder.  The Indian name was His-chok-wol-as. The first recorded ascent by a white person was by Ensign E. E. Hayden, a member of a US Geological Survey party which made a detailed inspection of the southern Oregon Cascades in the summer of 1883.

Mt. Thielsen has a spectacular summit pinnacle which, fortunately, looks much harder to climb than it actually is.  As are other solitary peaks, it is often struck by lightning and is called the "Lightning Rod of the Cascades." It was formed about 100,000 years ago.  Glaciation and erosion have exposed the interior plug of basaltic andesite which comprises the 80' (25m) summit pinnacle.

Climb Description
From the Trailhead on HWY 138, take the Mt. Thielsen Trail about four miles to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.  Continue on a climbers' trail up the west ridge to the base of the pinnacle.  The lead guide will anchor a rope to the top of the pinnacle and the rest of the party will self belay to the summit of the 80' (25m) pinnacle on excellent rock.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Clothing

bullet Leather hiking boots
bullet Wool or polypropylene socks with liner socks (help prevent blisters)
bullet Polypropylene or equivalent thermal underwear tops and bottoms
bullet Warm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt
bullet Warm pants
bullet Gore-Tex (or other water-resistant material) Parka
bullet Gore-Tex (or other water-resistant material) Wind pants
bullet Sun hat
bullet Gloves/Mittens with windproof shells
bullet Warm hat
bullet Gaiters to keep scree/snow out of your boots
bullet Trail shorts and t-shirt

In Your Summit Pack - (Needs to have Ice Ax Loops)

bullet Ten Essentials
bullet Whistle
bullet Map of area
bullet Compass
bullet Headlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb or another flashlight)
bullet Extra food and Clothing (wool socks, more warm things)
bullet Sunscreen and lip protection
bullet Pocket knife
bullet Lighter or matches in waterproof container
bullet Firestarter
bullet First aid kit (Absolutely no drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)
bullet Two and 1/2 Quarts of Fluids (Four on warm days)
bullet Toilet Paper
bullet Small insulation pad for sitting on
bullet Handkerchief
bullet Dark Sunglasses with side shields/Goggles (It can be bright and gritty on the mountain)
bullet Camera and Film/Memory Card

Climbing Gear

bullet *Ice Ax (Spring Snow Conditions)
bullet *Crampons (Spring Snow Conditions)
bullet *Trekking Poles

Camping Gear**

bullet Bowl, cup, and spoon**
bullet Sleeping Bag and Pad**
bullet Personal Items

*OPA will provide this equipment as appropriate, if you do not have your own.   We can rent packs and other gear to you.

**Not required if staying at Diamond Lake Resort

For Equipment Recommendations click here.