Climbing Mount Thielsen: The Lightning Rod of the Cascades

In this video we summit Mt Thielsen. This pointy mountain is known as the lightning rod of the Cascades. The hike is a pretty typical 10 mile round trip up a mountain. The final 50 feet is a bit of a scramble which is fun for climbers, and scary for hikers.

Here is the uncut footage from this climb. I upload uncut versions of climbs available to members that support the channel.


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[darengraff]

When you reached the summit, I had a definite bout of vertigo. Lol

[MattCookOregon]

Thank you. The video is good but you guys are awesome. Nothing beats the mountain of positive comments I get on the day of an upload.

[PatFortino]

Great video and narration. Yours is the best video on climbing Thielsen because of the excellent filming, narration, and editing.

[sharonwhiteley]

You have a rare ability/knack of outstanding scenery, with the appropriate amount of video/audio/appropriate music in the background. Yet remain humble and remind people about the importance of safety.
Bravo.

[TheDaggwood]

Climbed as a kid and had the rangers called after me once my parents found out. Ran into them on the way back down the hill. Love that area.

[shastashark]

Back in the day, I hiked to the top of Mt Shasta and Mt Whitney and then capped it off by doing Half Dome on my 40th birthday. I've seen this peak in the distance and I couldn't make it to the top... well done!

[toandfro]

“Something that occupies you and makes you think of nothing else”
If we all could remember to refresh our souls hard with this in mind I think we would be so less stressed. Immersing myself in nature does it for!

[conniewojahn]

Seeing the terrain on video, I understand why a lot of hikers stop at the base of the climb to the top, and why the couple up there used ropes. I'd never free climb that chunk of rocks. I'd not go up at all! Your experience paid off, and you received your well-earned reward. I agree going down can be more dangerous than going up. That's true of a lot of hiking, even less steep areas. I'll stick to those.

[skyclimber]

Thanks for posting with all the right info and facts! We climbed up there in the mid 80's and didn't use a rope on the way up but sacrificed some webbing and did a pull down rappel for the pinnacle.

[philhand]

I love the mountains of the Cascades! I've seen most all of them from Canada to Mexico... In November of '72 I climbed Mt. St. Helen's. Mount Adams in November of '73!!! Unforgettable!

[jimedick]

This brought back so many good memories, thank you!!
My brother in law and I climbed Thielsen back in the mid 90’s. We had free climbed to the summit as well, and you are correct, going down was a bit more intense than going up. There use to be a large metal canister chained down to the rock. You could unscrew the lid and put in your business card, student ID’s, or anything else you wished. There was a small book and pencil that you could write down your name, where you lived, and the date. I noticed there was folks from all over who wrote in that little book.

It was truly an amazing view from up there. I could see inside Crater Lake, enough to actually see the edge of the water on the south side. It was relatively a clear day, so I could see Diamond Peak, and Mount Bachelor.

One other note. On our way down the trail, while in the timber, I heard a large cat scream. You could tell it was still a distance from us, but it was close enough to make the hairs on your neck stand.

That entire trip was one I never forgot. Though watching your video brought back memories that had faded.

[busterarnst]

That was such a realistic trip - felt we were climbing with you. Also thanks for the clarification of the pronunciation of Thielson!

[stevecox]

I remember seeing—and being very impressed by—this peak, when I drove from Crater Lake to Sunriver two years ago. Thanks for the interesting video!🙏🏻

[NorthwestWanderer]

Excellent video. Always thought Thielsen looked like the mountain the grinch lived on.

[jderekroller]

Fantastic! I climbed Mt Thielsen many years ago as part of my Boy Scout troop, and obviously signed my name on the ledger at the top of the peak. We used ropes for the "last 50 feet" as our guide called it. This brings back many fond memories. Thank you!

[brodybohrer]

Great video! Thielsen is on the bucket list

[davewinch]

I'm glad I got to climb this one many years ago. We took a rope, harnesses and a small assortment of gear to make the summit.
Some people climbed without gear but you could tell it was a little nerve racking free climbing it. It was the perfect day to be on the mountain.

[skyblue-lbkr]

Omg Matt, my heart about stopped when you reached the top! Well done!

[SaabAholic]

I’m going to start planning my trips by watching your videos and getting out there. Thanks for all the great ideas and information!

[Oregontrailblazin]

CRAZY DUDE ON A MOUNTAIN!! Thanks Matt !!