Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 26, 2003
For a lot of details of my trip see Cornvallis entry below. This was my second hike. I loved it. Some guys brought a little girl, maybe 8, with them. Its a pretty easy climb. There is a lot of scree but not compared to St. Helens or Middle Sister. The last 80 feet or so are definitely worth the climb (the little girl didn't go up this, but she got to Chicken Point). It makes the trip. The views from the top were awesome. If you want to feel woosy sit on the summit point and look down to the east. Its about 2000' straight down. Good times!!!
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 26, 2003
Perfect weather, beautiful mountain, incredible day! Fellow SummitPost member annaleiserabinek and I arrived late Friday night and found a spot at the Broken Arrow campground at Diamond Lake and grabbed a few hours of sleep. I awoke to the silhouette of Mt. Thielsen through the trees as the sun began rising behind it, small sliver of moon still hanging above the summit pinnacle. Broke camp and ate in the short lived cold morning air, by the time we hit the trailhead at 7:30AM it was warm. The trail leading to the west ridge was very nice and mellow. Once on the ridge the views were spectacular, from the Sister's to Mt. McLoughlin. The hot morning sun hung directly over the summit of Thielsen as if the mountain was emitting the intense light. Trudged our way up the loose rock and scrambled our way to the chicken out point. The final eighty feet were not as bad as I had imagined although I took a less preferable route a little more to the left than I wanted because there was roped climbing team going up the easiest route. The down climb was easy. Spent about an hour eating and soaking in the views and sun barefoot just below the summit, then headed back. Couldn't resist climbing on the hudge sand castle looking rock formation on the way down. After, we drove a few miles down HWY 230 to Hamaker campground and soaked our feet and washed up in the frigid Rouge River...beautiful. Drove back to Diamond Lake resort and had omelets, fries, toast, lots of coffee, and decided to climb Mt. Bailey the next day since we were there (great decision). Found a nice little camp site on the lake with a view of Mt. Bailey, set up camp and drifted off to sleep. Perfect day!
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 5, 2003
Dean and I slept in a rest area along US97, then got up early and drove to the TH. It was a perfect day to climb Thielsen, with the smoke of the LaPine fire to the north being the only visibility limiter. I enjoyed the scramble at the summit, although I'm not all that confident on rock and the downclimb had a moment or two. Great fun! 24th and 25th Oregon county highpoints (Douglas and Klamath).
Route Climbed: Standard route Date Climbed: July 5, 2003
Great day to climb this peak. Not a cloud in the sky and tremendous views in all directions. I must admit to being a little intimidated at first by the last 80 feet but finally made the effort to stand on the summit after being prodded by fellow summitposter rfbolton who went right up it with no hesitation. The register is a lead pipe with bits of paper scraps stuffed in it and a red pen inside. I'm not sure how long entries will last as it is a sketchy set up. .
Route Climbed: West? - Standard Date Climbed: August 2002
Easy hike in. Last few hundred feet are a little hairy, loose rock slabs. The pinnacle is easy class V, the group I was with didn't rope up but a group ahead of us placed protection -- it feels fairly exposed. The weather was beautiful, hot. Bring lots of water and sunscreen if you climb during the summer.
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: October 27, 2002
Fun climb - we did it twice over the weekend. Last pitch of rock is fun with no real exposure and easy climbing. Weather seemed much better on the mountain both days in the morning, with clouds rolling in around noon-2pm.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: September 2001
Both Mary and I hiked to the PCT on a beautiful day in September. We took a short break and started up the climbers trail. We had packed our rock climbing gear and a rope and just before the saddle we decided this was just taking too much gear. Especially after speaking with some climbers who passed us, we left our equipment stashed on the way up. Once we gained the saddle and scoped the summit pinnacle we started our scramble. The pinnacle was very easy climbing and unexposed. You can stay in between boulders and the handholds are large. Down climbing was only a bit more challenging. This is a great mountain to sharpen your teeth on.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 5, 2002
Great day! First Group to summit as we got an early start in order to beat the heat. Passed many a hiker/climber on the way down. Only wished I would have taken care of my hot spots on my heels a little earlier! Nothing like raw meat, however got to dip them in Diamond lake before the drive to Smith Rock.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: June 16, 2002
We hit snow just after the 2 mile mark on the way up, and the trail disappeared! Route finding to the west ridge was very straight forward. We set up camp by the PCT junction with a great view. Stay close to the ridge above timberline to avoid very loose, steep talus. Summit block is an easy climb, but unless you enjoy exposed downclimbing bring a rope.
darinchadwick - Mar 29, 2002 6:28 am Date Climbed: Sep 23, 1995
Route Climbed: Standard
Slept on the saddle just below the summit pinnacle. Climbed up in the predawn light to see the sunrise from the summit. The needle shadow is something to see. Another guy came up about an hour later, and while we were hanging out we saw a helicopter dip below the rim of crater lake and never come back up. We were some of the last people to see that chopper before it crashed into the lake.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Route Date Climbed: 06-17-01
This climb/hike is probably one of my most favorite that I have done so far. It is definitely "short and sweet!" Round-trip took about 6 hours. Some nice third class scrambling just below the "saddle." Despite my better judgement, went ahead and climbed the summit block without a rope; can honestly say that I probably would not do it again without one. The views from the top are awesome, and the experience is grand, but the consequences of what could happen on that last 80 feet or so, unroped, are not really worth it.......................................In other words, no matter how good you think you are, you would be very wise to take a rope.
I enjoyed the last steep section of the climb & the summit was pretty neat, being it was so small. Had a good time camping & hanging-out at Diamond Lake, we also had to play tourist & check-out Crater Lake.
earthchic - Sep 5, 2003 2:23 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: Aug, 18, 2001Incredible views from the summit. The last 70 ft or so were a little scary for me.
annaleiserabinek - Sep 3, 2003 1:19 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 26, 2003For a lot of details of my trip see Cornvallis entry below. This was my second hike. I loved it. Some guys brought a little girl, maybe 8, with them. Its a pretty easy climb. There is a lot of scree but not compared to St. Helens or Middle Sister. The last 80 feet or so are definitely worth the climb (the little girl didn't go up this, but she got to Chicken Point). It makes the trip. The views from the top were awesome. If you want to feel woosy sit on the summit point and look down to the east. Its about 2000' straight down. Good times!!!
Cornvallis - Jul 29, 2003 2:43 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 26, 2003Perfect weather, beautiful mountain, incredible day! Fellow SummitPost member annaleiserabinek and I arrived late Friday night and found a spot at the Broken Arrow campground at Diamond Lake and grabbed a few hours of sleep. I awoke to the silhouette of Mt. Thielsen through the trees as the sun began rising behind it, small sliver of moon still hanging above the summit pinnacle. Broke camp and ate in the short lived cold morning air, by the time we hit the trailhead at 7:30AM it was warm. The trail leading to the west ridge was very nice and mellow. Once on the ridge the views were spectacular, from the Sister's to Mt. McLoughlin. The hot morning sun hung directly over the summit of Thielsen as if the mountain was emitting the intense light. Trudged our way up the loose rock and scrambled our way to the chicken out point. The final eighty feet were not as bad as I had imagined although I took a less preferable route a little more to the left than I wanted because there was roped climbing team going up the easiest route. The down climb was easy. Spent about an hour eating and soaking in the views and sun barefoot just below the summit, then headed back. Couldn't resist climbing on the hudge sand castle looking rock formation on the way down. After, we drove a few miles down HWY 230 to Hamaker campground and soaked our feet and washed up in the frigid Rouge River...beautiful. Drove back to Diamond Lake resort and had omelets, fries, toast, lots of coffee, and decided to climb Mt. Bailey the next day since we were there (great decision). Found a nice little camp site on the lake with a view of Mt. Bailey, set up camp and drifted off to sleep. Perfect day!
bernardhohman - Jul 25, 2003 2:53 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 23, 2003The last 100 feet were great! A little fourth class fun.
big_g - Jul 25, 2003 1:51 pm Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2003
Route Climbed: West RidgeGreat little finish to this one! Could have done without the flies on the summit tho.
Bob Bolton - Jul 17, 2003 8:12 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 5, 2003Dean and I slept in a rest area along US97, then got up early and drove to the TH. It was a perfect day to climb Thielsen, with the smoke of the LaPine fire to the north being the only visibility limiter. I enjoyed the scramble at the summit, although I'm not all that confident on rock and the downclimb had a moment or two. Great fun! 24th and 25th Oregon county highpoints (Douglas and Klamath).
cluck - Jul 13, 2003 10:01 am
Route Climbed: Standard West ridge Date Climbed: 7/12/03Left PDX at 10:00AM
Started climb 2:20PM
- Fast hike to PCT, scree slog & summit scramble
- Ran & walked back to car
- Round trip 3 hours & 46 minutes
- It was only about 80 degrees and sunny, but it felt pretty hot. Now I know why this one seems more commonly done in early Fall.
Back home at PDX at 10:15PM
Can you say peak bagger?
Dean - Jul 6, 2003 2:21 am
Route Climbed: Standard route Date Climbed: July 5, 2003Great day to climb this peak. Not a cloud in the sky and tremendous views in all directions. I must admit to being a little intimidated at first by the last 80 feet but finally made the effort to stand on the summit after being prodded by fellow summitposter rfbolton who went right up it with no hesitation. The register is a lead pipe with bits of paper scraps stuffed in it and a red pen inside. I'm not sure how long entries will last as it is a sketchy set up. .
nicci_lee - Feb 6, 2003 4:33 pm
Route Climbed: West? - Standard Date Climbed: August 2002Easy hike in. Last few hundred feet are a little hairy, loose rock slabs. The pinnacle is easy class V, the group I was with didn't rope up but a group ahead of us placed protection -- it feels fairly exposed. The weather was beautiful, hot. Bring lots of water and sunscreen if you climb during the summer.
zzril - Nov 22, 2002 1:00 pm
Route Climbed: W Ridge Date Climbed: SeveralGreat peak. Several summits of this mountain including a winter attempt thwarted by overhanging snow cauliflowers 50 ft. shy of the summit.
pbeebe - Nov 17, 2002 6:00 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: October 27, 2002Fun climb - we did it twice over the weekend. Last pitch of rock is fun with no real exposure and easy climbing. Weather seemed much better on the mountain both days in the morning, with clouds rolling in around noon-2pm.
msmarydaly - Oct 20, 2002 8:41 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: September 23, 2001A gorgeous day to climb, lots of scree near the top, a fun scramble the last few feet for the summit.
tymelero - Oct 19, 2002 1:33 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: September 2001Both Mary and I hiked to the PCT on a beautiful day in September. We took a short break and started up the climbers trail. We had packed our rock climbing gear and a rope and just before the saddle we decided this was just taking too much gear. Especially after speaking with some climbers who passed us, we left our equipment stashed on the way up. Once we gained the saddle and scoped the summit pinnacle we started our scramble. The pinnacle was very easy climbing and unexposed. You can stay in between boulders and the handholds are large. Down climbing was only a bit more challenging. This is a great mountain to sharpen your teeth on.
Don’t forget to sign the summit log.
cjwhat - Oct 18, 2002 9:10 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 22, 2000Large good holds on pinnacle made unprotected solo ascent non-scary.
Hammer - Jul 9, 2002 12:54 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 5, 2002Great day! First Group to summit as we got an early start in order to beat the heat. Passed many a hiker/climber on the way down. Only wished I would have taken care of my hot spots on my heels a little earlier! Nothing like raw meat, however got to dip them in Diamond lake before the drive to Smith Rock.
DonGraham - Jun 19, 2002 1:24 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: June 16, 2002We hit snow just after the 2 mile mark on the way up, and the trail disappeared! Route finding to the west ridge was very straight forward. We set up camp by the PCT junction with a great view. Stay close to the ridge above timberline to avoid very loose, steep talus. Summit block is an easy climb, but unless you enjoy exposed downclimbing bring a rope.
darinchadwick - Mar 29, 2002 6:28 am Date Climbed: Sep 23, 1995
Route Climbed: StandardSlept on the saddle just below the summit pinnacle. Climbed up in the predawn light to see the sunrise from the summit. The needle shadow is something to see. Another guy came up about an hour later, and while we were hanging out we saw a helicopter dip below the rim of crater lake and never come back up. We were some of the last people to see that chopper before it crashed into the lake.
markman - Feb 1, 2002 6:16 pm
Route Climbed: west ridge Date Climbed: summer 94I agree with dshoe about the rope. At least take one.
I might not have used mine on a nice day, but the wind was screamin and I was glad I had one for the way down.
dshoe - Dec 21, 2001 10:04 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Route Date Climbed: 06-17-01This climb/hike is probably one of my most favorite that I have done so far. It is definitely "short and sweet!" Round-trip took about 6 hours. Some nice third class scrambling just below the "saddle." Despite my better judgement, went ahead and climbed the summit block without a rope; can honestly say that I probably would not do it again without one. The views from the top are awesome, and the experience is grand, but the consequences of what could happen on that last 80 feet or so, unroped, are not really worth it.......................................In other words, no matter how good you think you are, you would be very wise to take a rope.
Elwood - Nov 2, 2001 3:00 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: June 97I enjoyed the last steep section of the climb & the summit was pretty neat, being it was so small. Had a good time camping & hanging-out at Diamond Lake, we also had to play tourist & check-out Crater Lake.