Mt. Jefferson is the second highest mountain in Oregon, and a notch up in difficulty and commitment than the South side of Hood. The South Ridge is the easiest route, mostly a long ridge of class 3 scrambling. But do not underestimate this route. The last 200 vertical feet are kinda tricky! This route has a long fixed line traverse of an exposed 50+ degree snow field, (very loose scree/rock in late season) followed by a 4th class scramble to the single rock block of the summit. Long days and unexpected bivies are common on this peak. In a big group, 4 ropes and a lot of pickets are a good idea, 3 to fix the traverse and one for the summit block.

This is a limited use area, you will need a permit.

Activity Notes

We'll hike to Shale Lake from the Pamelia Lake trailhead and camp. We'll start very early the next day and gain the long South Ridge to the Red Saddle where we'll protect the steep traverse and 4th class summit pinnacle. We'll camp one more night and hike out the third day.
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 120 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
General Route Info SummitPost.org; MountainForecast.org; Willamette Nat. Forest, Detroit Ranger District: 503-854-3366
Expected Duration Car to car in two or more days
Interesting Features Spectacular Views
Relevant Books Oregon High by Jeff Thomas
Relevant Maps USGS 7 minute series, Mt. Jefferson, and Geo-Graphics Mt, Jefferson Google map https://goo.gl/maps/pqJxBofhaCQ2
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks, Seven Oregon Cascades Peaks
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. GPS Coordinates New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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