Aerial view, Mount Thielsen, Oregon
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Mount Thielsen Volcano
-- Geographic Setting, Geologic and Eruptive History
Mount Thielsen is similar to many of the basaltic andesite shields that form
the bulk of the High Cascades in Oregon. It consists of
a central pyroclastic cone built of scoriaceous to pumiceous cindery tuff
and coarse breccia. Variations in grain size define the
bedding, which is made more spectacular by the alteration of glassy tephra
to colorful palagonite. The beds mainly dip 10-40 degrees
away from the central conduit-filling plug, although locally these beds
have been steepened and even overturned during the plug's
intrusion, a feature unreported from other shields in the Cascade Range.
Dikes and sills lace the cone.
-- Excerpt from:
Sherrod, 1990, IN: Wood and Kienle, 1990
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Mount Thielsen is located near Diamond Lake and north of Crater Lake National Park, in
the Umpqua National Forest. There are a store, post office, and campgounds at Diamond Lake.
Trails from Oregon Highway 138 lead up to the south and west sides of Thielsen.
-- Excerpt from: Wood and Kienle, 1990,
Volcanoes of North America: United States and Canada:
Cambridge University Press, 354p., p.191-192, Contribution by David R. Sherrod
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[Map,21K,InlineGIF]
Southern Oregon Cascades
-- Modified from: Hoblitt, et.al., 1987, USGS Open-File Report 87-297
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.
Go 1.5 miles north of the Highway 230/Highway 138 road junction near Diamond Lake. The trailhead parking lot is located along the
east side of Highway 138. A USFS Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at this trailhead. Umpqua National Forest Recreation
Map reference number is L-6. Located at Township 28 south, Range 5 1/2 east, Section 16.
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Attractions and Considerations:
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The trail leads through lodgepole pine for the first mile. Timberline is at approximately 7,200 feet elevation. The mountain
hemlock-true fir type is predominant. Inviting glimpses of Mount Thielsen are evident as one progresses. A breath taking view of
Mount Thielsen presents itself just beyond the Spruce Ridge Trail junction 1.6 miles. As you reach the Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail 2.9 miles, 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. Hiking boots and
caution are highly recommended for climbing on the loose rocky slopes. Those brave and energetic enough to make it to the top,
should add their names to the climbing register found there.
The view of the east and west sides of the Cascades, from the Sisters to
Mount Shasta, is incredible.
This trail is used in the winter time by Nordic skiers up to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
-- Exceprts from: USFS Umpqua National Forest Website, March 2002
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Winema National Forest
-- Link courtesy U. S. Forest Service
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Umpqua National Forest
-- Link courtesy U. S. Forest Service
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MORE Useful Sites
-- CVO Menu, includes links to National Park, Volcano Info, National Forests, Maps, Travel and Tourism Links,
Weather, Road Conditions, etc.
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Travel and Tourism Links - Crater Lake Vicinity
-- CVO Menu, includes links to Nearby Cities, Attractions, Recreation, etc.
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Weather and Road Conditions - Crater Lake Vicinity
-- CVO Menu, includes links to Weather Forecasts, DOT's, Pass Reports, etc.
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Mount Thielsen Menu
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