I know there is no definitive answer to this question but please indulge me nonetheless. It seems that the Oregon Cascades are generally divided into northern, central and southern sections. The central cascades are focused on the Three Sisters area while the southern cascades are centered on the Crater Lake region. Diamond Peak lies at the nexus of these two areas.

So the question is, is the Diamond Peak area the southernmost part of the central Oregon Cascades or the northernmost part of the southern Oregon Cascades?

Here is a map of the area in question.

Any input is appreciated.

Dumb question. Are you trying to write a book or something?

Now will somebody tell me if Pluto is a planet or a rock?

USGS indicates Central Oregon High Cascades http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Ore ... cades.html

Just my opinion, and it matters not, but I would agree this is Central Oregon. For some reason, I arbitrarily think southern OR as beginning about Highway 138. I think of Thielsen as central but Crater Lake as southern. I think it comes from what I think is a really long drive from Portland versus a moderate drive. I'd want to camp near the TH at Thielsen instead of driving there in the morning but I've done Diamond Peak area and back in a long day. (Actually, I've done Thielsen and back in a long day but it was painful.)

PS Pluto is an animated dog.

Brian Jenkins wrote:Just my opinion, and it matters not, but I would agree this is Central Oregon. For some reason, I arbitrarily think southern OR as beginning about Highway 138. I think of Thielsen as central but Crater Lake as southern. I think it comes from what I think is a really long drive from Portland versus a moderate drive. I'd want to camp near the TH at Thielsen instead of driving there in the morning but I've done Diamond Peak area and back in a long day. (Actually, I've done Thielsen and back in a long day but it was painful.)

I have always thought of Thielsen area as southern, not central. Based on your assessment of long day trips from Portland (which I think is a reasonable criterion, it seems southern, but that conflicts with your previous statement.

I appreciate your input. I am beginning a page for the Southern Oregon Cascades (it will be a long while before that is finished), and I was wondering what ought to be the northern limit of what is covered in the page. Any more thoughts would be great!

Seems like it could go either way. Highway 58 (Willamette Pass) would be one logical dividing point, putting Diamond Peak, Thielson, etc. in the southern section. Just my 2cents. Like your Lassen area pages, by the way.

If you're going to draw a line in the sand I think it should be a natural feature. I think the North Umpqua River is a good line, basically the same as Brian Jenkins line, but it puts Thielsen in the southern area. Theilsen was an easy day trip from Crescent City so it feels more like Southern Oregon, at least to me.

Bubba,
I agree, it could go either way. I think the headwater of the North Umpqua is Diamond Lake, right next to Thielsen so that should confuse things even more. You'll just have to make the call on what you think since it will be your page. We'll overanalyze it and ridicule you, whichever decision you make. But remember, it's all out of respect. Good luck! I look forward to the page.

(PS I think you are absolutely fine putting Diamond Peak in southern though. Most people think of the Three Sisters area when you say Central Oregon anyway.)

Brian Jenkins wrote:Bubba,
I agree, it could go either way. I think the headwater of the North Umpqua is Diamond Lake, right next to Thielsen so that should confuse things even more. You'll just have to make the call on what you think since it will be your page. We'll overanalyze it and ridicule you, whichever decision you make. But remember, it's all out of respect. Good luck! I look forward to the page.

(PS I think you are absolutely fine putting Diamond Peak in southern though. Most people think of the Three Sisters area when you say Central Oregon anyway.)

Actually it flows out of Maidu lake, a few miles north of Tipsoo Peak, but I get your point. I'm sure when Bubba finishes the page it will be great regardless of a few silly details.

This discussion feels as equally confused as conversations with those asking where I grew up, that being Oakridge, and I never really care to explain it. I do miss my daily backyard view of Diamond Peak though, that is to say from the top of the town's hillside water tower. Good luck Bubba!