OverviewDifficulty of Approach:Class 1 to Class 3
Difficulty of Summit Block: Class 4
Distance: 9.8 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 3782 feet
Mount Thielsen is said to be hit by more lightning than an other High Cascade peak, earning it the nickname "The lightning rod of the Cascades". If you look closely at the rock around the summit, you'll find lots of fulgurites, which are small, black, often tubular "burns" caused by lightning.
The reigning peak in this part of the Cascades, there is no summit in the range higher until you reach the South Sister to the north and Mount McLoughlin to the south. Situated on the east side of Diamond Lake, it is directly opposite Mount Bailey, which offers sno-cat skiing and snowboarding in the winter. It is just south of Howlock Mountain, another rugged peak that is the third highest summit in the Diamond Lake area.
Thielsen is the remainder of a volcano, and is a pretty loose heap of rock except for the summit, which is a small tower of large rocks that stick up impressively into the sky. The east side is a sheer face straight down.
Even though there is a 4 mile trail to the summit, it is not really a crowded mountain. The top hundred feet or so is class 3/4 climbing. Technical rock climbing routes also exist on the summit pinnacle, although they are seldom climbed.
GEOLOGY: Mount Thielsen is a shield volcano that is capped with a composite cone (a stratovolcano). Mount Thielsen has not erupted since the last three ice ages, so glaciation has eroded much of the peak. Thielsen is probably extinct.
The Diamond Lake area has many thunderstorms in the summer. It is very wise to descend when threatened with thunderstorms. It is aptly called the "Lightning Rod of the Cascades".
Getting ThereMount Thielsen is just north of Crater Lake, across the road from the southernmost part of Diamond Lake. The parking area is on the east side of Route 138, just north of the Route 138/Route 230 intersection.
Red TapeYou need a Northwest Forest Pass to park, but there is no fee for climbing or hiking.
Check out this Forest Service site for more info on the Northwest Forest Pass. A National Park pass also works. Just leave it on the dashboard. From November to April, a Snow Park Pass is required.
When To ClimbThe best time to climb is probably May through October if you plan on climbing the 3/4th class scramble to the summit. The last hundred feet of the ascent is probably a lot more difficult with snow and ice on it.
You can ski the lower portion of the mountain in the winter.
CampingCheck out the Diamond Lake Resort site.
Diamond Lake Campground: Located on Forest road 4795, on east shore of Diamond Lake. 240 campsites (trailer & tent units), tables, fireplaces, running water, flush toilets, showers, garbage bins, grey water sumps, RV dump station, boat ramps, & fish cleaning station. Accommodates trailers to 35'. Some sites designed for persons with disabilities. Reservations available for sites in loops A-F. Daily fees.
Broken Arrow Campground: Located on Forest Road 4795, at south end of Diamond Lake. A combination of 148 trailer and tent units, with tables, fireplaces, running water, flush toilets, showers, garbage bins, grey water sumps, & trailer dump station. Accommodates trailers to 35'. Loops F & G are designed for persons with disabilities us. Group reservations available for loops J, K, M, & N. Daily fees.
Thielsen View Campground: Located on Forest Road 4795, on west shore of Diamond Lake. A blend of 58 trailer & tent units, with tables, fireplaces, running water, vault toilets, grey water sumps, garbage bins & boat ramp. Room for trailers to 30 feet. Some sites adapted for persons with disabilities. Daily fees.
South Shore Area: Five non-motorized campsites adjacent to the South Shore Picnic Area for hikers & bicyclists, with tables, fireplaces, running water, flush toilets, & grey water sumps. No fee.Mountain ConditionsIf a storm comes in, you'd better get off the mountain, otherwise you'll be barbecued by the lightning that is likely to strike.
Click the Satellite picture for a video loop of current weatherExternal Links2skinners Other Mountain PagesFeel free to check out my other mountain pages and pictures as well.
 CALIFORNIA MOUNTAINS:
Hippo Butte
Red Buttes
Schonchin Butte
 DELAWARE MOUNTAINS (HIGHPOINT):
Ebright Azimuth
 OREGON MOUNTAINS:
Bolan Mountain
Crater Lake Caldera
Grizzly Peak
Lower Table Rock
Mount Ashland
Soda Mountain
South Sister
Upper Table Rock
 WASHINGTON MOUNTAINS:
Discovery Peak
Colonel Bob
Mount Pilchuck Images
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Cascade Volcanoes
