Mt. Thielsen, West Ridge/Standard Route

Activity Notes

Memorial Day weekend climbing

There is a small remnant glacier on Thielsen (Lathrop Glacier), and thus summiting this peak qualifies successful climbers for Mazamas membership.  A short 5th class pitch (5.1) at the top makes things interesting.

Despite its intimidating appearance, a climb of Mount Thielsen is a relatively straightforward undertaking. The West Ridge is an exhilarating route, not quite technical but with enough exposure to get the adrenaline pumping. The true summit is a spectacular spire sticking impressively upward into the sky. Standing on the summit, the land seems to drop off thousands of feet in almost every direction, giving the same feeling as if hovering high above the dense forests of the Oregon Cascades. Views are expansive in every direction, on a clear day Mount Shasta is visible to the south and the Three Sisters to the north. The summit of Mount Thielsen is the only place outside of Crater Lake National Park where the waters of Crater Lake are visible.