Matthew Holliman - Dec 1, 2006 3:23 am Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West Ridge
Short hike with a fun scramble up the summit block--much better rock than I was expecting, especially after the loose choss on Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Washington. With Bob and Rick, the last peak of a tour of the OR Cascades.
Good hike with a fun little scramble at the end. Check out the lightning marks on the summit!
calebEOC - Oct 2, 2006 1:01 am Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2006
Culmination of a summer
The Oregon mountain that most caught my eye when I first started browsing this website several years ago was Mt Thielsen. All summer I put off climbing this one, somewhat intimidated by the climb at the top, after asking Dean and Larry (cascadetraveler) what they thought of the spire I decided to give 'er a shot (thanks for the advice guys!).
The first 3.5 miles went quick, not much elevation gain; the trail was well groomed and easy to follow. The next mile and a half up the ridgeline was a lot of fun. Some places it was so steep I was down on all fours doing all I could to not slide down the mountainside. At the base of the pinnacle I ran into a group of awesome UO instructors who graciously offered me the use of their rope which I declined. The climb up and down the pinnacle was a breeze, much, much easier than I built it up to be over a summer of planning on doing this. I am ecstatic to have finally climbed Thielsen, what a great year of hiking this has been.
09/25/2010: Climbed with my brother who hadnt been up here before. Still a fun climb, easier than I remembered!
Bob Burd - Sep 20, 2006 9:58 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West Ridge
Climbed with Rick Kent and Matthew Holliman, the last of nine days we spent climbing the Oregon volcanoes. Trip Report
eric9262 - Sep 10, 2006 3:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 28, 2005
First timer
My first foray into climbing was a very good experience. Just a few hundred feet below chicken point my awesome little sister said I'm ready to go down. It seemed like a great idea to me since we needed a break and the wind was howling and cold. I'd like to try again but the logistics of getting there from Georgia are not simple. I'm hooked on climbing now-thanks Oregon.
physics - Aug 25, 2006 3:14 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2006
Route Climbed: West Ridge
went up this with my little sister's ex-boyfriend. great day with nice views from up top. climbed the summit mass from the notch north of the summit - this is class 4/5 but solid rock.
SawtoothSean - Aug 8, 2006 3:13 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 2006
Nice Finish
On a visit to Crater Lake I stopped and trail ran the approach and scrambled the summit. The crumbly approach was pretty bad, but best if you stay on the ridge. For the summit I choose a solid Class 4 section to go up and down climb (no rope). Class 3+ could probably be accomplished, but I preferred the most solid looking rock, even though it was slightly more exposed. The Summit views are great and the look down the north side is breathtaking. All in all I was able to get up and back to the car in 2.5 hours.
Congrats Sean!!
2.5 hours. Boy we really would have slowed you down. Either that or you would have summited 3 times before we were done. Glad you enjoyed it.
-Matt-
Levi - Jul 16, 2006 2:18 am Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2006
West Ridge
We camped at Diamond Lake on the 13th. Next day we started the hike at 6am. We couldn't stop the first 4 miles because of mosquitoes and we forgot the repellent. It was windy going up the ridge, but luckily not to bad at the summit. Then we summitted at 11am. We had rope but we did not use it. Back to the car at 3pm. Great hike, Perfect weather and everything was goood except those mosquitoes.
grandwazoo - Jun 22, 2006 12:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West Ridge
Flew into Medford around 10:00 pm Saturday night for work the following week, but as always I had to mix a short hike into the work schedule.
Hit the trail at 8:30 am and followed the trail until the snow took over. Followed tracks that eventually lead me to a large group, continued on to the ridge and finally sight of the peak, (mosquitos were a real bitch). Followed the west ridge, can’t miss the well beaten path, to the saddle below the summit block. Left my pack and scrambled to the summit, I would recommend bringing a 60 meter rope and rap off the summit. Quickly grabbed a few photos and made my way back down. Made the trail head by 12:30pm and then had a joyous ride to Coos Bay.
millsb40 - Jun 19, 2006 5:36 pm Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2006
Great Climb
We lucked out and had great weather. This would make for an easy 1 day hike, but coupled with the long drive from the Portland area, we decided to camp (7200'). Lost the trail because of snow somewhere around 6500' and headed cross country for the West / Northwest ridge. Because of the route we took, an ice ax was essential and crampons advised, it had froze and the snow was really hard and icy, with another route some of this could have been avoided. The top is pretty easy with only 1 or 2 spots that really have any difficulty, however a mistake there could be costly.
Karl Helser - Jun 14, 2006 12:25 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
Great climb...
Climbed this one as part of a twelve-person Mazama climb. Only saw three other people all day. Mostly sunny by the time we got out of the trees. Thunder & lightning over Crater Lake by the time we were descending the summit block (time to get off this rod!). Great day...
cascadetraveler - May 20, 2006 8:57 pm Date Climbed: Aug 19, 2003
Sharin the summit with towns folk.
A beautiful august morning dawned upon us as we awoke at the Mt thielson trailhead. Seven of us headed up the climbers trail with ropes and a pro rack. We stopped awhile at the p.c.t junction to enjoy a west face view of our objective. As we hiked above treeline the trail became a faint boot track with steep switch backs. we climbed out and above Thielsons hand and onto the dinnerplate scree. The slab scree is probably the most dangerous part of this climb. Awhile later after a tedious scramble we arrive at chicken point. The point bieng the staging area for the summit pinnacle. There was a group of Mazamas already present setting up a fixed line. As we waited we became aquainted with The mazamas. Mean while other climbers arrived and many were choosing to summit solo (certainly faster). Oddly enough but not completly hard to believe,a group shows up looking like they were ready for a trip to the movie theater not a mountain climb. I do believe there downclimb provided the dose of reality of what they got themselves into. We get are turn and swiftly set up the fixed line and start going up one at a time. The view is outstanding,the sheer drops on three sides of the pinnacle are just radical. The fulgarite crystals were all over the summit reminding us of just how dangerous this summit is in an electrical storm. A rappel is set up and we all make are way down from the pinnacle. We down climb the saddle and scree ski down to the P.c.t a great day on a fun mountain.
A weekend to remember. One of the last trips before heading off to college. Took off for a weekend at Diamond Lake with a side-trip summit of Thielsen in the works. Not long after we made it past the tree line, ominous clouds gathered and let loose with the loudest, closest cloudburst I've ever witnessed. NOT a good time to be on the "lightning rod of the Cascades..." We sprint/screed down for cover in the trees until the hail passed. Upon returning to camp we found a small creek running through our site and mounds of hail piled up against our tent. You may have won this round, Thielsen, but I will be back to claim you some day.
cdog - Feb 25, 2006 2:27 am Date Climbed: Jan 5, 2005
winter ascent
great winter route, can be easily done in a day by competent group:
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: August 25, 2005 (Unsuccessful)
This was my first "climb" of any of the mountains I have tried to summit. I am relatively new to scrambling up the side of a mountain using all four extremities. I made it up to chicken point and called it good, as I wasn't completely comfortable climbing the rest of the way without ropes or more class 4 experience. I will try this one again next year after I have climbed a few others and feel a little more comfortable. It was a great day though for climbing and there were only about 7 others that my friend and I saw on the trail that day. I need to add that he made it to the top.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: Aug 12, 2005
Great peak! The short section of class 4 on top was very fun (but too short!). Carried only a very light hydration pack. Roundtrip time was about 5 hrs. Talked briefly with Peter and his wife (or some couple anyway) on my way down. Use solid rock wherever possible to avoid the loose stuff. The loose stuff was more of a problem on the way down. Weather was excellent.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: August 12 2005
Fun climb! No skeeters this time around. Made it to the last 80ft, and climbed up with the wife. Not too scary if you can find the correct route. Hint for new climbers: about halfway up, look right/south around a boulder for the easy way up.
Rapped off the top, and the wife did great! The descent is made much easier if you stay on the ridge. We saw too many people too far to the south, on the sketchy scree. Trekking poles help.
Kudos to Brian Jenkins for some good beta on the climb via email. I love that about SP--you can email the experts for advice.
Matthew Holliman - Dec 1, 2006 3:23 am Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West RidgeShort hike with a fun scramble up the summit block--much better rock than I was expecting, especially after the loose choss on Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Washington. With Bob and Rick, the last peak of a tour of the OR Cascades.
Andinistaloco - Oct 17, 2006 10:47 pm
Standard route I supposeGood hike with a fun little scramble at the end. Check out the lightning marks on the summit!
calebEOC - Oct 2, 2006 1:01 am Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2006
Culmination of a summerThe Oregon mountain that most caught my eye when I first started browsing this website several years ago was Mt Thielsen. All summer I put off climbing this one, somewhat intimidated by the climb at the top, after asking Dean and Larry (cascadetraveler) what they thought of the spire I decided to give 'er a shot (thanks for the advice guys!).
The first 3.5 miles went quick, not much elevation gain; the trail was well groomed and easy to follow. The next mile and a half up the ridgeline was a lot of fun. Some places it was so steep I was down on all fours doing all I could to not slide down the mountainside. At the base of the pinnacle I ran into a group of awesome UO instructors who graciously offered me the use of their rope which I declined. The climb up and down the pinnacle was a breeze, much, much easier than I built it up to be over a summer of planning on doing this. I am ecstatic to have finally climbed Thielsen, what a great year of hiking this has been.
09/25/2010: Climbed with my brother who hadnt been up here before. Still a fun climb, easier than I remembered!
Bob Burd - Sep 20, 2006 9:58 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West RidgeClimbed with Rick Kent and Matthew Holliman, the last of nine days we spent climbing the Oregon volcanoes. Trip Report
eric9262 - Sep 10, 2006 3:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 28, 2005
First timerMy first foray into climbing was a very good experience. Just a few hundred feet below chicken point my awesome little sister said I'm ready to go down. It seemed like a great idea to me since we needed a break and the wind was howling and cold. I'd like to try again but the logistics of getting there from Georgia are not simple. I'm hooked on climbing now-thanks Oregon.
physics - Aug 25, 2006 3:14 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2006
Route Climbed: West Ridgewent up this with my little sister's ex-boyfriend. great day with nice views from up top. climbed the summit mass from the notch north of the summit - this is class 4/5 but solid rock.
SawtoothSean - Aug 8, 2006 3:13 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 2006
Nice FinishOn a visit to Crater Lake I stopped and trail ran the approach and scrambled the summit. The crumbly approach was pretty bad, but best if you stay on the ridge. For the summit I choose a solid Class 4 section to go up and down climb (no rope). Class 3+ could probably be accomplished, but I preferred the most solid looking rock, even though it was slightly more exposed. The Summit views are great and the look down the north side is breathtaking. All in all I was able to get up and back to the car in 2.5 hours.
2skinners - Aug 9, 2006 1:00 am
Re: Nice FinishCongrats Sean!!
2.5 hours. Boy we really would have slowed you down. Either that or you would have summited 3 times before we were done. Glad you enjoyed it.
-Matt-
Levi - Jul 16, 2006 2:18 am Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2006
West RidgeWe camped at Diamond Lake on the 13th. Next day we started the hike at 6am. We couldn't stop the first 4 miles because of mosquitoes and we forgot the repellent. It was windy going up the ridge, but luckily not to bad at the summit. Then we summitted at 11am. We had rope but we did not use it. Back to the car at 3pm. Great hike, Perfect weather and everything was goood except those mosquitoes.
grandwazoo - Jun 22, 2006 12:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
West RidgeFlew into Medford around 10:00 pm Saturday night for work the following week, but as always I had to mix a short hike into the work schedule.
Hit the trail at 8:30 am and followed the trail until the snow took over. Followed tracks that eventually lead me to a large group, continued on to the ridge and finally sight of the peak, (mosquitos were a real bitch). Followed the west ridge, can’t miss the well beaten path, to the saddle below the summit block. Left my pack and scrambled to the summit, I would recommend bringing a 60 meter rope and rap off the summit. Quickly grabbed a few photos and made my way back down. Made the trail head by 12:30pm and then had a joyous ride to Coos Bay.
millsb40 - Jun 19, 2006 5:36 pm Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2006
Great ClimbWe lucked out and had great weather. This would make for an easy 1 day hike, but coupled with the long drive from the Portland area, we decided to camp (7200'). Lost the trail because of snow somewhere around 6500' and headed cross country for the West / Northwest ridge. Because of the route we took, an ice ax was essential and crampons advised, it had froze and the snow was really hard and icy, with another route some of this could have been avoided. The top is pretty easy with only 1 or 2 spots that really have any difficulty, however a mistake there could be costly.
Karl Helser - Jun 14, 2006 12:25 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2006
Great climb...Climbed this one as part of a twelve-person Mazama climb. Only saw three other people all day. Mostly sunny by the time we got out of the trees. Thunder & lightning over Crater Lake by the time we were descending the summit block (time to get off this rod!). Great day...
cascadetraveler - May 20, 2006 8:57 pm Date Climbed: Aug 19, 2003
Sharin the summit with towns folk.A beautiful august morning dawned upon us as we awoke at the Mt thielson trailhead. Seven of us headed up the climbers trail with ropes and a pro rack. We stopped awhile at the p.c.t junction to enjoy a west face view of our objective. As we hiked above treeline the trail became a faint boot track with steep switch backs. we climbed out and above Thielsons hand and onto the dinnerplate scree. The slab scree is probably the most dangerous part of this climb. Awhile later after a tedious scramble we arrive at chicken point. The point bieng the staging area for the summit pinnacle. There was a group of Mazamas already present setting up a fixed line. As we waited we became aquainted with The mazamas. Mean while other climbers arrived and many were choosing to summit solo (certainly faster). Oddly enough but not completly hard to believe,a group shows up looking like they were ready for a trip to the movie theater not a mountain climb. I do believe there downclimb provided the dose of reality of what they got themselves into. We get are turn and swiftly set up the fixed line and start going up one at a time. The view is outstanding,the sheer drops on three sides of the pinnacle are just radical. The fulgarite crystals were all over the summit reminding us of just how dangerous this summit is in an electrical storm. A rappel is set up and we all make are way down from the pinnacle. We down climb the saddle and scree ski down to the P.c.t a great day on a fun mountain.
uap304 - Apr 4, 2006 6:40 pm
Thunderous ThielsenA weekend to remember. One of the last trips before heading off to college. Took off for a weekend at Diamond Lake with a side-trip summit of Thielsen in the works. Not long after we made it past the tree line, ominous clouds gathered and let loose with the loudest, closest cloudburst I've ever witnessed. NOT a good time to be on the "lightning rod of the Cascades..." We sprint/screed down for cover in the trees until the hail passed. Upon returning to camp we found a small creek running through our site and mounds of hail piled up against our tent. You may have won this round, Thielsen, but I will be back to claim you some day.
cdog - Feb 25, 2006 2:27 am Date Climbed: Jan 5, 2005
winter ascentgreat winter route, can be easily done in a day by competent group:
trip report
Aaron Smith - Jan 23, 2006 2:52 pm
Route Climbed: southern Date Climbed: September 17, 2005My first.
markmay - Dec 8, 2005 9:07 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: June 25 2005Cool Summit pitch
2skinners - Oct 4, 2005 1:45 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: August 25, 2005 (Unsuccessful)This was my first "climb" of any of the mountains I have tried to summit. I am relatively new to scrambling up the side of a mountain using all four extremities. I made it up to chicken point and called it good, as I wasn't completely comfortable climbing the rest of the way without ropes or more class 4 experience. I will try this one again next year after I have climbed a few others and feel a little more comfortable. It was a great day though for climbing and there were only about 7 others that my friend and I saw on the trail that day. I need to add that he made it to the top.
Rick Kent - Aug 17, 2005 8:25 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: Aug 12, 2005Great peak! The short section of class 4 on top was very fun (but too short!). Carried only a very light hydration pack. Roundtrip time was about 5 hrs. Talked briefly with Peter and his wife (or some couple anyway) on my way down. Use solid rock wherever possible to avoid the loose stuff. The loose stuff was more of a problem on the way down. Weather was excellent.
PeterOrth - Aug 16, 2005 9:59 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: August 12 2005Fun climb! No skeeters this time around. Made it to the last 80ft, and climbed up with the wife. Not too scary if you can find the correct route. Hint for new climbers: about halfway up, look right/south around a boulder for the easy way up.
Rapped off the top, and the wife did great! The descent is made much easier if you stay on the ridge. We saw too many people too far to the south, on the sketchy scree. Trekking poles help.
Kudos to Brian Jenkins for some good beta on the climb via email. I love that about SP--you can email the experts for advice.
Cheers