Mount Thielsen, or Big Cowhorn, is an extinct shield volcano in the Oregon High Cascades, near Mount Bailey. It is located near Diamond Lake and north of Crater Lake National Park, in the Umpqua National Forest. Mt. Thielsen is a stratovolcano like many other Cascade peaks, but unlike most, Thielsen's 9,184-foot summit has been fractured and eroded into a pointy horn of rock — with no crater. Distinctive for its precipitous slopes and jagged, horned top, it has been eroded by glaciers, though volcanic ash has covered parts. After Mount Thielsen stopped erupting, subsequent glacial erosion has formed a horn-like shape. The spire-like shape of Thielsen attracts lightning strikes and causes the formation of fulgurite, an unusual mineral.

The prominent horn forms a centerpiece for the Mount Thielsen Wilderness, an area with many recreational activities. A trail from Oregon Highway 138 leads up the west side of Thielsen, and is about an 8.8 miles round-trip hike with an approximate elevation gain of 3,782 feet.

The Hike

• Approximate Distance (Round Trip): 9.8 miles / 15.8 km
• Elevation Gain: 3,782 feet / 1,153 meters
• Minimum Elevation: 5,400 feet / 1,646 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 9,182 feet / 2,799 meters

The trail leads through lodgepole pine for the first mile with the timberline at approximately 7200 feet, and inviting glimpses of Mt. Thielsen are evident as one progresses up the trail. After about 1.6 miles, just beyond the Spruce Ridge Trail junction, hikers are rewarded with a beautiful view of Mt. Thielsen. After about 2.9 miles, jus as you reach the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, 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. Keep in mind the last 200 feet is a difficult hand-over-hand climb that requires technical Class-4 rock climbing abilities to the summit. A belayed ascent (rope and harness with protection) is recommended, as is a helmet. However at an elevation of approximately 9182 feet the hiker/climber can enjoy views of Diamond Lake, Mt. Bailey, and Mt. Mazama. Please remember caution, and proper climbing equipment, and climbing skills are highly recommended for climbing on the loose rocky slopes.

This trail is used in the winter time by Nordic skiers up to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

Even if you don't have the proper equipment or skills to climb the last 200 feet this is still a hike worth doing, as you are still rewarded with fantastic views of Mt. Thielsen and the surrounding area.

Please also keep in mind that the Diamond Lake area has many thunderstorms in the summer. It is very wise to descend when threatened with thunderstorms. Mt. Thielsen is often called the "lightning rod of the Cascades" for good reason, so be careful if there are thunderstorms in the area.

The Trailhead:

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.

U.S. Forest Service Northwest Forest Pass

Here is a link to a U.S. Forest Service website that describes some of the various passes available so you can choose the best option for you. Recreation Passes of the Northwest.

Mt Thielsen Peak Hike route

This map is the approximate route of the trail, and is not a GPS rendering of the trail and is not the exact route. View Mt Thielsen Peak Hike/Climb in a larger map

Oregon Hiking Guide Order 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon: Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge, Cascades, Eastern Oregon, Wallowas from Barnes & Noble now!

Video

YouTube Video of the Mt Thielsen Hike from sadian24

Hiking Books For Oregon

Oregon Hiking Trails

• Central Oregon Amateur Guide to Hiking Gives links to many Central Oregon hiking trails.
• Links and things to do on the Mckenzie River near Eugene, Sisters, and Bend Oregon Has many links on outdoor adventures in the Central Oregon area.
• Hiking in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho The public lands of Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho provide excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities, from high mountain peaks to desert canyons.
• LocalHikes.com Has great information on hiking trails near major U.S. cities, this link will take you to the Oregon section of their website.
• Day Trails.com Gives information on hiking and other outdoor activities in Oregon.
• TrailsNW.com Gives reviews and directions to several Oregon Hikes.
• Central Oregon Visitors Association Website gives directions to hikes in and near the Bend Oregon area.
• Slackpacker.com Provides organized access to informative Oregon hiking and backpacking websites.

If you find any of these links are no longer active, PLEASE email me and let me know so I can remove them!!

Hiking Books For Palm Springs

Philip Ferranti's books on hiking in Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas are a must have if you are planning on hiking in the area. Amazon.com also has several other books that will make your hiking adventure a great one, including books on hiking and rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park.

Click the hikers for Hiking Tips

For tips on how much WATER you need click above

Hiking In Palm Springs Disclaimer

Any outdoor recreation can be potentially hazardous, and hiking is no exception. All participants must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety, exercise sound judgment, and be prepared for and seek advice on weather and trail conditions.

Although the authors and publisher of Hiking-in-ps.com ("this site") try to make the site as accurate as possible, they disclaim any liability for accident, loss, injury, inconvenience or other damage that may be sustained by anyone using the information contained on the site.

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