As you leave the trail head parking area a smooth easy trail presents itself for the first mile or so. Thru a forest so quiet you can hear your brain winding down as your legs go into autopilot. Then as you break out of the trees: Bang! You are treated to some stunning views of this imposing mountain. This is where I pondered my ability to reach the summit. It just looks gnarly from here! Timberline is at approximately 7200 feet elevation. The mountain hemlock-true fir type is predominant. Inviting glimpses of Mt. Thielsen are evident along the trail. A breath taking view of Mt. Thielsen presents itself just beyond the Spruce Ridge Trail junction 1.6 miles.
The trail enters Mt. Thielsen Wilderness before you reach the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at 2.9 miles. Here the glacial features of this volcanic peak loom before you. From the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, a scramble trail works its way to the spire pointed peak at 9,182 feet elevation. The trail is a steep climb, particularly above timberline beyond which there are no markers. The last 200 feet is a difficult hand-over-hand climb. Elevation gain is 3,782 feet.
I stopped and had lunch on a small ledge just below the last 200 feet of technical climbing. I climbed up far enough to realize that one slip would be the end of me so I cautiously backed down the rock. Out of the 20 or so hikers I encountered on this fine summer day, only one made the true summit. He was an experienced climber and had done many similar climbs. I would suggest NOT climbing this unless you know exactly what you are doing, it is Sketch!
Hiking boots and caution are highly recommended for climbing on the loose rocky slopes.
The view of the east and west sides of the Cascades, from the Sisters to Mt. Shasta, is incredible.
The mountaineer’s route to the top of Mount Thielsen is rated a class IV to 5.1 scramble and is not considered a technical climb. Yet exposure on Mount Thielsen is extreme and there have been more fatalities on this route than have occurred on all the technical routes on the Umpqua National Forest combined.
Gear: A light rack and light rope should be considered for the scramble of the last 80 feet from Chicken Ledge to the summit when there are inexperienced climbers in your party. MountThielsen is a dramatic horn-shaped peak located in the Southern Oregon Cascades just north of Crater Lake. The peak rises abruptly from its surroundings to a very distinct spire. Its north and east faces are most impressive, towering 2200 feet upward in a near vertical fashion. Due to its dramatic spire shape, its dominance among other peaks in the region and the unstable weather this region receives Mount Thielsen is said to be struck by lightning more often than any other High Cascade peak, earning it the nick name the lightning rod of the Cascades. History:
If you are rabid hiker like me (excuse the foamy drool) you'll want to put this hike in your lineup. As I continue to tick off items on my bucket list, I realize how fortunate I am to be able to do all these things when others can't for various reasons. In sharing my experiences, I hope to bring interest and enthusiasm for not only the hike itself, but in these beautiful places that we need to conserve for future generations.
Joey Michael Hodgson is a Fire Lookout, firefighter, kayaker, chainsaw carver, writer, and musician. Check out his blog @onthelookout@blogger.com and current music @ https://www.reverbnation.com/thelookoutsband
Facebook group page @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onthelookout/
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