Mount Thielsen
With its spire-like summit, Mt Thielsen is easily recognizable. Below its steep top, Thielsen has many fun slopes to ski as long as the weather and snow pack are right. Weather is always something to watch out for in the mountains and this mountain is no different. The pointy top of Mt. Thielsen seems to act as a lightning rod drawing an amazing number of lightning strikes each year. Also, with some slopes approaching 40 degrees, avalanches are not uncommon on the mountain. But if conditions are right, lines of up to 3,600 vertical ft are possible!
Terrain
Part of the High Cascades, Mount Thielsen, at 9,184 ft, is a prominent feature of the area. It is considered an extinct shield volcano. A shield volcano is generally large and low in profile, forming from fluid lava flows. However, because it's lava flows stopped around 250,000 years ago, glaciers have eroded the peak to its current form.
Skill Level:
Intermediate - Advanced
Directions & Map:
- From AOS, Head north on I-5 towards Medford.
- Take Exit 30, and merge onto Crater Lake Hwy/OR-62.
- Continue on Crater Lake Hwy NE towards Union Creek for approximately 55 miles.
- Hwy 62 becomes Hwy 230/ Diamond Lake Hwy. Follow Hwy 230 for approximately 24 miles to a junction with Hwy 138.
- Go left at the junction.
- Follow Hwy 138 approximately 1.5 miles, where you'll see a sign for the Mt Thielsen trailhead on the right. A Sno Park permit is required to park here Nov 1st-April 30th.
Recommended Equipment
- Day Pack (15L-35L)
- Layers
- Gloves
- Hat
- Active layer - soft shell or fleece
- Insulating layer - down or synthetic fill jacket
- Hard Shell pant and top
- Avalanche Gear
- Avalanche Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Knowledge and practice using this gear
- A partner who also has this gear and knows how to use it
- A printout of current avalanche conditions from the local avalanche center
- First Aid Kit
- Backcountry repair kit
- Basic emergency/overnight kit
- Small foam pad for breaks
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Food & Water
For water, 2L-3L per person for a day trip is recommended. As for food, several small snacks throughout the day are recommended. Big meals are fun but bog you down. Small snacks allow for a continual flow of energy to your body. For your snacks, try to balance sugars, fats, proteins, and carbs so your body is continually fueled. This helps reduce crashes in energy during the day.
Additional Info
- Summit Lat/Long: 43° 9' 10.2" N x 122° 3' 59.5" W
- Summit elevation: 9,184ft
- Trailhead Lat/Long: 43° 8' 46.02" N x 122° 7' 39.13" W
- Trailhead elevation: 5,420ft
Resources & Links
Weather
Click Here for the NOAA weather forcast for this area.
