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Diamond Peak, Summit Lake Trailhead Route

September 23, 2012

Coordinator: Fritz Capell

Summit Altitude: 8744 feet
Round-trip Distance: 10 miles
Excursion Time: 8.5 hours (car-to-car)

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Eight of us awoke at Spring Campground at Crescent Lake, broke camp, and left about 7am toward the Summit Lake trailhead to Diamond Peak. If you take the road from Crescent Lake to the Summit Lake trailhead, be forewarned: it is rough. So rough, in fact, that it was just barely manageable for our two Subarus (check the Gallery for some thrilling footage). Gabe's Jeep had no trouble. If you want a better road, take the road from Oakridge; any car could do that one. However, it would have been a rather long way around from Mt Thielsen, which five of us had climbed the day before.

We departed from the Summit Lake Trailhead at about 8:30am. Bill did the guiding, as he had been there before, though he claimed 30 years had passed between. There are a few routes you can take, but the one we took was pretty straightforward; as I recall, we just followed the PCT at a gentle incline until we reached a large cairn, several miles in. From there, we turned upward on a climber's trail and just kept going up. The first part of the climber's trail is very steep, but it mellows a little as the vegetation gives way to volcanic rock. There is a lot of variety to walk on, from mixed boulders to deep scree. You just keep going up, appreciating each of the two or three false summits. From the last false summit, you can finally see the real summit, past the most interesting part of the climb, a long ridge with a number of gendarmes and other obstacles to tackle on the way.

We reached the summit at about 12:30, just in time for lunch. We spent about an hour up there; it was sunny, but a little bit windy and cold.

Diamond Peak is not terribly popular, and a great place for solitude. The whole time we were up there, I don't think we saw a single other hiker or climber. And too bad, because it is a very large and quite beautiful mountain, and the ascent is not at all technical. I would compare it to South Sister - just a long slog, but the terrain is more pleasant and more varied than any of the Sisters. It would probably be rather difficult in winter conditions, just due to its size, and it's probably nearly impossible to get to the trailhead. But for summer, it is really a mountain that you should put on your list.

Our descent was just as fun as the ascent, and we reached the trailhead again at about 4pm, had snacks and beverages, and hopped in our cars for a long, tired ride home.

- Fritz


Pre-Event Forum
[View Post-Event Forum]

Bill asks:
Hi Fritz, Diamond Peak is one of my fave walk/scramble ups (after mosquito season has passed, of course). I've been up twice, but it has been many years. I mean many, like 30 or so?? Almost long enough for significant geological changes to have occurred! I would like to go,(uhhh, weather depending, desire no lightning if possible) but must work Friday evening. So can leave Salem on Sat AM. Can you post the intended trailhead or meeting place? Steven, it would be good to see you again. BN

Fritz (leader) answers:
Hi Bill! The precise meeting time/place is a secret held only for the team, but yes, such details will be available. Go ahead and sign up as "tentative" to stay in the loop. Note: this climb in on Sunday.


Bill says:
My oldest sister and her daughter lost one of two vehicles to the wildfires on Mt. Adams while backpacking last week. Crispy hulk of a Honda. Fully insured we hope. Understood that the hike is on Sunday. I may camp near the trailhead on Sat night. So if anyone would like to do the same, please e-mail. Thanks, BN


Bill says:
Sorry for all the switching from attending to tentative. Just checking out the nice sign-up system! BN


Steven says:
I hope you make it Bill, it'll be fun and good to see you again as well.


Steven asks:
Fritz, what is the plan for camping Saturday night?

Fritz (leader) answers:
I'm going to try to find a reserve a car-camping spot near the trailhead. Stay tuned...


Fritz (leader) says:
I've open the climb for "verification", which puts a box up above for you to supply/verify your contact info and generally make sure people are awake and still planning to attend. Please push the buttons...


Bill asks:
Hi folks, Assuming we are going in from Summit Lake (apparently still a closely held secret ;-)) I would be up for camping on Sat night at 1)Summit Lake, or better yet 2) at the Rockpile lake/Marie lake area. Marie lake is really beautiful. At this time I do not have a functioning water filter pump. I will try to obtain one this week, although with a few minutes of boiling it is probably not necessary.

Steven answers:
I'll be bringing my pump Bill, no need to spend any money til you actually need to.

Steven answers:
How far away from the resort is the spots you're mentioning? I and probably a couple of others plan on watching the Duck game at the bar and it won't be over til 11. So if it's not very convenient I'd opt for car camping close by. It would have already been a long day climbing Thielsen so convenience will be nice.


Bill says:
Crescent lake campground is about 1 mile from Crescent Lake Lodge and Resort and about 5 miles from the town of Crescent. Summit Lake is about 7 miles of 20mph dirt/gravel road from the pavement at the West end of Crescent Lake. So maybe 1/2 hr from the town of Crescent. Rockpile/Marie Lakes is about a 5 mile backpack in from the trailhead at Summit Lake.


Steven says:
I spoke with the resort at Crescent lake and they will have the game as well. That puts us closer to the trailhead, still enables those of us who want to car camp and or watch the game. I'd rather car camp personally this weekend and keep it simple. Summit lake is something to consider for some of us. I'm not set on any spot but I'd like to be able to watch the game for sure.

Fritz (leader) answers:
I just checked online, and can't reserve a spot at Crescent Lake. I think they have some walk-in spots, but it won't be guaranteed unless somebody can go early. I'd prefer car-camping too, so let's try for Crescent Lake and if not, go up to Summit (perhaps after game, or some of us).

Bill answers:
Fritz and all, At this time of year I would not worry too much about Crescent Lake Campground being completely full. But it is a possibility. I don't know if we could camp at Contorta Point any more as it seems that it is now a group camp of some stripe? Even if I end up backpacking into Marie L I could get to Crescent L CG before 2PM Sat and try to get site(s) and leave a paper plate sign...

Steven answers:
@Fritz.....huh, was told it wasn't full. Spoke with Adrian and he seems to like the Summit lake idea. It's only a 7 mile drive from the CR lodge after the game.

Fritz (leader) answers:
I dunno, I think only certain sites you can reserve online. I wouldn't expect it to fill up, but who knows. That is a rough 7 mile drive from what I understand, at least a half hour drive, maybe more. One source even recommended high clearance, hope our Subarus are up to the task.

Bill answers:
Oops I did not do the research. I forgot about Sprint CG and did not know that Contorta has two areas, a group and a regular CG. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/centraloregon/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=39102&actid=29 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/centraloregon/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=39050&actid=29

Bill answers:
Last time I was at Summit L. 4 yrs ago the road was pretty crappy. Subarus can make it fine,but I would not recommend doing it in the dark as there are some potential oil-pan bashing rocks on it.

Adrian answers:
I think Summit Lake would work great. Having 2 cars would allow some people to go ahead and go to the campsite and the others to came in later after the game. That way the next morning we would be closer to the trailhead.

Fritz (leader) answers:
I think I'd prefer to camp down below; thus people coming from the game won't have to do difficult roads in the dark, and we can have cars together in the light in the morning, in case we have trouble.

Adrian answers:
Sounds logical to me:) I don't know the condition of the roads.Also i don't want this game to be an inconvenience for other people. I know Steven and i are die hard about the Ducks but not everyone is. If it behooves the group to move on to Summit lake and camp while daylight i will be more than happy to watch the game later.

Bill answers:
I don't think anyone would be disappointed with Spring CG. I will volunteer to get there on Sat early afternoon and loll in the sun by the waters edge until others arrive. Or at least reserve sites and put up signs.

Fritz (leader) answers:
That would be awesome, Bill, I say we go with that plan. It'll be 5 or 6 campers, so we should probably do 2 sites if possible, assuming everyone can ante up the $10-15...

Fritz (leader) answers:
(I doubt you can loll that long though, if you still intend to hike up to Marie. Our ETA is about 7.)

Adrian answers:
Thank you Bill. Spring CG looks great. No problem on the cash.

Bill answers:
I am flexible on backpacking in to Marie. I will bring everything and prepare for anything, including lolling and camping at Spring so-as to join the group for the entire hike on Sunday.

Steven answers:
Spring CG it is! I'll have cash to camp.

Bill answers:
What is the old saying? Nobody camps for free, gas, ass (mule) or cash? Something like that.


Bill says:
also, regarding the driving directions from Oakridge: I would strongly recommend taking Hwy 58 past Olallie Lk. to Crescent L. Junction, then in to Crescent and Summit Lakes. Especially if it is dark! Hwy 58 is faster than FS road 21. The Rigdon route may be more scenic but...

Adrian answers:
Bill, I think after climbing Thielsen we will be coming in from Diamond Lake. Looking at the map i think we should take 138 east to 97, head north and then to 58 to Crescent Lake. Then 60 to 398 to Summit Lake. Anyone correct me if i'm wrong.

Bill answers:
Yes, that is correct. I will be coming from the Oakridge side.


Adrian says:
Did you guys see this? That sucks. http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2012/09/eugene_man_rescued_after_fall.html

Fritz (leader) answers:
We will not be doing that. Falling is not allowed. Everybody clear on this point?

Adrian answers:
I got that loud and clear!

Steven answers:
10-4 Fritz.


Gabe says:
At this point I'm going to have to change my status to tentative. I tweaked my ankle at the ice climbing outing and it still is a bit tender. I have every intention of going I just wanted to make it clear I shouldn't be relied upon for transportation especially in the case that I won't be able to even attempt Diamond Peak. It's improving by the day so I'm hoping it won't be a factor come Saturday. If you have any concerns, by all means let me know.

Fritz (leader) answers:
I won't make the call for you, but please consider it carefully. We have a lot of walking to do, on rather unstable surfaces. We all go with some weaknesses, but if there's a reasonable chance that your ankle will outright fail during the climb, you will be a long way from help.

Gabe answers:
Im fairly certain I understand the difficulty of the climb and I would choose not to go if I thought i was going to be a liabilty.


Steven says:
Would anyone be interested in a group stew Saturday? I can bring my Dutch oven. It's big enough for our group size.

Bill answers:
Group Stew sounds awfully cannibalistic. But I liked the rice, cream of chicken soup and sausage idea. Or Pasta. Almost everyone likes pasta. I can bring a veggie tray with carrot sticks, snap peas, cuke, bell peppers and hummus for dip. Logistics for dinner: Plan on like 6:30 at Spring campground? or ?? Spring CG is about 7 miles from the lodge place I think. Paved road.

Steven answers:
Lol......a stew I usually do is cream of chicken, sausage, chicken, rice (or pasta), broccoli, carrots, can of corn, and topped with cheese is simple and fairly quick to throw together. How does that sound to everyone?

Adrian answers:
That sounds good to me. You guys defenetly don,t want to eat what I cook. Let me know what I should bring.

Steven answers:
I'll bring the sausage and pasta. Someone can bring some boneless chicken (not a lot, like 3 decent sized breasts). Someone can bring 2 cans of cream of chicken and a can of corn. Someone can bring a crown of broccoli and a small bag of baby carrots. Someone can bring a bag of pre-shredded cheese. Bill is bringing an appy while I cook. Just pick something to bring and state it here so we don't get two of something. If this is what we want to do. It'll be delish, trust me;)

Adrian answers:
I'll get the chicken breast

Fritz (leader) answers:
What happens if we run late and don't have time to cook before the game starts? Just saying, could happen...

Steven answers:
I know, it's actually my biggest fear but I don't mind being a little late to be able to enjoy this meal with the group. I'll also bring my camping stove and a pot to help speed up the process. I'll have to eat beforehand regardless. Thoughts Adrian? I'm asking you cause I know you want to watch it as well.

Adrian answers:
I don't mind being late to the game either. It's up to you guys.

Bill answers:
In addition to the raw veggies and hummus; history indicates that there will probably be some chips and beer in my car... Just sayin'

Nathan answers:
I'll bring a bag of shredded cheese. A desert may find it's way into my stuff, as well.

Bill answers:
If appropriate I can start a small fire at about 5:30pm ish to generate some hot coals for the dutch oven. What say?


Bill asks:
Fritz, should we have a cell phone number exchange on the off chance that anyone can get bars out there. Some carriers should have service along Hwy 97 and 58. Thanks, BN My number is *** ***-**** T-Mobile

Fritz (leader) answers:
Best not to put personal numbers/emails/addresses here for security reasons; the forum is public. Personal contact data is shown above, restricted to climb participants.

Bill answers:
Oops. Silly me. If I'd only looked at the top...

Fritz (leader) answers:
No worries, happens. I've been meaning to write a little readme about such protocol matters...


Sue says:
I will bring 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and a can of corn (also a can opener). I will also bring a crown of broccoli and a small bag of baby carrots.

Steven answers:
There are 6 of us Sue, I split it up so we can all contribute but I'm not going to stop you. Thanks for bringing the can opener.

Steven answers:
Ok, so all of the group dinner food is accounted for. I'm excited and ready to hit the road. Can't wait to see everyone!


Bill says:
5 Miles WSW Willamette Pass OR 43.52°N 122.16°W (Elev. 7862 ft); Sunday A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Yuck. BN

Bill answers:
27 Miles NW Chemult OR 43.52°N 122.16°W (Elev. 7862 ft Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. YAY!!!! so call me a premature pessimist.


Fritz (leader) says:
Bill, please call me or Adrian asap.

Bill answers:
Hi Guys, Sorry I wasn't more available at cell. I think we can get this taken care of. BN


This forum is closed at this time.

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