Mount Jefferson

Jefferson is a likely extinct stratovolcano that last erupted about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago.  For those interested in the geology, eruptive history, and geomorphology of the mountain this USGS Mount Jefferson page has all the information.

The mountain was named for President Thomas Jefferson by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  The first ascent was made August 12, 1888 by Ray L. Farmer and E.C. Cross. Details of first ascent.

Getting There

Mount Jefferson is easily accessed via United States Forest Service roads and trails leaving from Oregon State Highway 22.

Two main approaches are used depending on the route to be climbed. These are via Jefferson Park and Pamelia Lake approaches. The easiest route to Jefferson Park is via the Whitewater Trail. The Pamelia Lake Trailhead should be used for the South Ridge and Southwest Ridge routes.

 

Whitewater Trailhead: From the west, drive 59 miles east on OR-22 from Salem, OR.  Turn left onto Forest Road 2243 and drive 7.6 miles to the trailhead.  From the south, drive west 21.1 miles on OR-22 from Santiam Junction, OR.  Turn right onto Forest Road 2243 and drive 7.6 miles to the trailhead.  The Whitewater Trailhead is at ~4,100'.

Pamelia Lake Trailhead: From the west, drive 60.7 miles east on OR-22 from Salem, OR.  Turn left on Pamelia Road and drive 3.7 miles to the trailhead.  From the south, drive west 19.4 miles on OR-22 from Santiam Junction, OR.  Turn right on Pamelia Road and drive 3.7 miles to the trailhead.  The Pamelia Lake Trailhead is at ~3,100'.

Route Overview

General Information:

There a many routes on Mount Jefferson. All but a few are considered quite dangerous due to rockfall and avalanche hazard.  Those listed here are the routes considered to be safest from objective danger. Three of these are described here on Summitpost.  See guidebooks for descriptions and ratings of the more dangerous routes (Literature section below).

Summit Pinnacle:

Because of the summit pinnacle, all routes on Mount Jefferson involve at least Class 4 rock when clear of snow or very steep snow and / or rime-encrusted rock.  The normal and easiest route on the summit pinnacle is from the north and is Class 4. There are other routes on the pinnacle ranging from reported 5.0 up to 5.7. All are on poor rock.  If approaching the summit pinnacle from the south via the Red Saddle, a very steep snow field must be traversed in order to reach the normal route on the north side.

• Whitewater Glacier: Grade II, glacier travel and Class 4 rock – 10 to 12 hours from Jefferson Park. This is the most popular route on the mountain.  ~19 miles with ~7000' of elevation gain.
• Jefferson Park Glacier: Grade III, glacier travel and Class 5.2 rock – 8 to 10 hours from Jefferson Park. This is the second most popular route on the mountain.  ~15 miles with 7000' of elevation gain.

From Pamelia Lake:

• South Ridge: 10 to 12 hours from camp at Shale Lake. Similar to the Southwest Ridge route, it ascends the south ridge to the Red Saddle.  ~23 miles with ~7800' of elevation gain roundtrip from the Pamelia Lake Trailhead (~3100').
• Southwest Ridge: 10 to 12 hours from Pamelia Lake. Described as "the easiest, but most tedious route" on Mount Jefferson. Scramble and hike up the long, loose southwest slope.  This route is likely your best option if attempting to daytrip Mount Jefferson.  ~15 miles with ~7400' of elevation gain roundtrip from the Pamelia Lake Trailhead (~3100').Mount Jefferson Pamelia Lake Routes.  South Ridge (red) & Southwest Ridge (Blue).  Click to enlarge.

Red Tape

Mount Jefferson is located in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area, Willamette National Forest.

Wilderness regulations apply and the Pamelia Lake Limited Entry Area requires a limited entry permit.  This permit costs $6 and only credit cards are accepted as form of payment.  This link details how to obtain a permit for this area.

See the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness page for details and links regarding regulations for this wilderness.

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 less likely. The South and Southwest ridge routes are used year round due to limited rockfall risk.

Camping

Scout Lake (~5900') in Jefferson Park is a popular place to camp for climbs of the Jefferson Park and Whitewater Glaciers.  Shale Lake (~5800') is a popular place to camp for an ascent of Mount Jefferson via the South Ridge.  For an ascent of the Southwest Ridge, camping at the Pamelia Lake Trailhead or at Pamelia Lake is probably best.  Wilderness permits are required and some additional regulations apply to certain areas.  See the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness page for details.

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