Douglas County High Point Trip Report
Mt Thielsen (9,182 ft)
Date: June 1981
Author: Ken Jones
See also entries for Klamath county regarding the location of the county
line in this vicinity.
This peak, referred to by some as "the lightning rod of the Cascades," is a
spectacular pinnacle north of Crater Lake. It is easier to climb than it
looks, but you must be comfortable with some exposure.
The trailhead is on the east side of Diamond Lake, near the lake's south
end, along state route 138. It is labeled "Mt. Thielsen Trail." The trail
climbs up through woods, eventually meeting the Pacific Crest Trail.
Above the Crest trail, the trail deteriorates into a climbers' trail through
scree. This part is not much fun. Eventually, you will reach the south
side of the summit block. The climbing here is class 3; what is claimed to
be the best route is marked with paint blotches on the rock. If some party
members are nervous about exposure, a rope would be a good idea.
Gain is just about 4000' with mileage of perhaps 8 miles RT.