Diamond Peak, South Ridge

Activity Notes

Diamond Peak summit is one of the best and most underrated summit hikes in the Oregon Cascade range. It is south of Williamette pass, east of Oakridge. There are a few different routes up the mountain, but the South route  is probably the most straightforward. This is a rocky trail mostly class 1-2.  Total Distance it 11 miles with 3800 feet of elevation gain over two days.

We will drive down Saturday morning (4 hours) and hike in 2.5  miles and 1000 ft up  to a nice back country campsite near Rockpile Lake in the afternoon.  ThIs time of year bugs should not be a problem. If you  want, you can explore the area and have a look at Marie lakem 1/2 mile to the north,

Sunday we will rise early and climb 3 miles  and 2500 ft up to the summit on a rocky trail. The views from the summit (if fire smoke is not present) are impressive in all directions:  the highlights include the Cascades to the north and the lakes that form an  arc around the mountain’s eastern  slope.    Major peaks visible include  Broken Top and the South and Middle Sisters in the Three Sisters Wilderness, Mount Washingtion, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood.   Waldo Lake sits in the northern foreground, with Odell Lake south and east of Waldo, Crescent Lake south of that, and Summit Lake  in the southern foreground.  Farther south are Theilsen, Bailey and finally Mt Shasta in California.

We will descend after having lunch and return to camp.  Pack up,  hike out and return to Portland late Sunday evening. This  climb is suitable for new BCEP grads and those who like scrambles in a lesser climbed Oregon location.