Note - this page was just adopted on April 27 - changes coming soon.

Mount Jefferson is the second highest mountain in Oregon and has the reputation as the most difficult summit in the Oregon Cascades because you must climb a 400' pinnacle to reach the highest point. Ice typically covers the rock nine months out of the year and an exposed traverse on snow/ice guards access even from the easist routes.

Getting There

Mt. Jefferson is accessible from different directions depending on the route that is going to be used. To access via the easiest routes of the South and Southwest ridges, drive 12 miles east of Detroit on State Highway 22. 1/4 mile north of Pamelia Creek turn left(east) on Pamelia Lake Rd. (USFS 2246) and drive about 4 miles to the roads end.

To access the east side of the mountain you may NOT drive through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. There are no exceptions! You must use USFS roads from the west to access trails to take you to the routes on the North and East sides of the mountain. The Whitewater Trail is the shortest and easiest. Drive 10 miles east of Detroit on State Highway 22. Turn East on Whitewater Rd. (USFS 2243). Drive 7.5 miles to the roads end.

Red Tape

Mt. Jefferson is in a limited access wilderness area and all general regulations apply. In addition, Jeffereson Park regulations do not allow for camping on the Scout Lake Peninsula and Bays Lake Peninsula. Marion Lake regulations do not allow for overnight camping and no fires.

To access the easist routes of the South and Southwest ridges, camping at Shale Lake requires that a permit be obtained from the FS prior to visit.

When To Climb

The best time to climb from the North, East, and West is in late Spring when snow is plentiful and rockfall is leass likely. The South and Southwest ridge routes are used year round due to limited rockfall risk.

Camping

Camping is allowed but most of the camping areas are limited use and restrictions require you to have a FS issued permit. These can be on
obtained from the Detroit Ranger station in advance. There is not a fee for this. Water is available but must be treated.

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