Hike up Mt Thielson for Sunrise

Here's another trip for some of the more advanced members of the group.

I'm actually not that fond of Mt Thielson but I'm continuing my efforts to get in shape and it's close and familiar. The hike is on hot southerly slopes so I prefer to do it for sunrise while it's cool out. The moon will be up high so especially above treeline there should be reasonable natural light. Watching sunrise from the summit is great, you can watch the shadow of the mountain form and then shrink. Bring a camera.

In the evening I'll lead a companion hike up Mt Scott for sunset. During the day I'll rest and perhaps swim in Crater Lake. Feel free to sign up for either hike alone or both.

We'll meet at the trailhead since I'm in Klamath Falls. I'll probably camp somewhere in the vicinity the evening before.

The hike ascends about 3000' and should take 3 hours, I've allowed 3.5 hr for sunrise. There are three parts. The first is a steep but good trail to near treeline, followed by a well worn path to treeline and above. The second is up and across rocky slopes which have hard rock underneath and small loose rocks on top. There is a path but it's not always easy to follow at night. This doesn't matter, the path isn't much better than the non-path. This second section is why I'm not that fond of this trip, but many people do it every year so it's not technical or unreasonable. Just annoying. The third part is a scramble on large rocks for a hundred feet or so to the actual summit. Many people do this unroped even without climbing experience. I will bring a rope for anyone who wants to be secured. Some people stop at the base of this part, but there is still the opportunity to look over the north side (if heights don't bother you!) and the view of sunrise is good.

This is an advanced hike. It has less distance and less elevation gain than Mt McLoughlin did but is consistently steep. Suitable footwear is required. As an advanced hike you should know what works for you but I'd recommend something with good soles and ankle support. This trip is not really suitable for dogs.

Bring trail food, a headlamp (preferred) or flashlight, and a hat and warm jacket. I've gotten pretty cold waiting for sunrise both here and on Mt Scott even in August.

Let me know if you have any questions and check on the status the evening before, as I post this I'm still returning from WY and UT and am assuming no delays or problems getting back.

Photos from past my trips:

http://www.snowman-jim.org/climbing/gallery2/v/2008-07-24-thielson/

http://www.snowman-jim.org/climbing/gallery2/v/2007-07-30-thielson/