Mt. Bailey, Standard

Activity Notes

August 1 Update:  Leaders have been closely following the developing Central Oregon fire and weather situation over the past 10 days A lightning storm passing over the Willamette National Forest on July 17 started numerous wildland fires  The Diamond Peak Wilderness Area is closed as is the Pacific Crest Trail section in the area for the rest of 2024.  This includes trailheads and trail for all three climbs This is an early start to the Oregon wildfire season.  Nation-wide, all resources have been deployed.  Fire crews are focusing on areas of high population density and infrastructure Unfortunately, there are minimal fire resources being prioritized around Diamond Lake and the high heat forecast over the next 5 days is unfavorable Campgrounds in the Diamond Lake did close last week and have recently re-opened but are subject to closure again There is a new fire near Crater Lake, and we anticipate wilderness/recreation closures These fires and the fire(s) near LaPine are producing unhealthy air quality from Bend South to Klamath Basin.   Air quality is a function of fire location, smoke, wind direction and cloud cover.  A change in any of these factors and the air quality swings from healthy one day and to hazardous the next. Lesson?s Learned:  Mid-June to early July is a better time to climb in the Diamond Lake Wilderness.  Hoping to offer a similar multiple climb plan in the Diamond Peak wilderness in 2025.  The mountains will be there.  Best to be safe, cancel now and allow folks to plan alternate adventures. Preference for recent BCEP graduates, especially 2024's Teams 4, 6, and 14. This is a good long  (9.6-mile round trip) and vigorous hike (3150' elevation gain) to the summit of 8,363' Mt. Bailey, an old volcano which is the 12th highest distinct mountain in the Oregon Cascades and it is precisley the same elevation at Washington's Mount St. Helens! A car-to-car climb, we will get an early start -- 6:30 am -- to take advantage of the coolness of the morning and to avoid the thunderstorms that often occur on a summer's afternoon there. We will leave from the Mt. Bailey Trailhead parking area at an elevation of about 5,200', just beyond the s.w. corner of Diamond Lake. You'll have great views of glacially carved Diamond Lake, Mt. Thielsen, Howlock Mountain, Diamond Peak, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Scott, Mt. Shasta, the peaks around the rim of Crater Lake, and all the way to the Three Sisters, weather permitting. Route Map click here I will endeavor to select a team by July 8th, but will keep registration open until August 2nd for a waitlist.