This last summer and autumn I finally hiked a few Southern Oregon Cascade Range peaks as part of my Oregon 100 Highest Peaks project. Some peaks I had known of but had neglected to visit for many years. Other peaks I had not heard of before starting on the project.
Diamond Peak
More than twenty years ago I skied from Odell Lake along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST). I left the trail and skiied up to the North Summit of Diamond Peak. From that summit I could see the South (true) summit far away across the summit ridge. I planned to return someday to visit it. The years passed and other peaks distracted me from returning.
This past August I finally gave Diamond Peak an attempt. The east-side access roads (FSRs 6010 and 380) were reportedly rough. The South Ridge route required cross-country hiking and scrambling through mosquito-infested forest, then climbing talus slopes to reach the summit.
It was my first visit to the Summit Lake area and the peak’s southern slopes. It was very satisfying to finally visit the summit I had planned for so long to reach.
[Read more…] about Southern Cascade Peaks, Oregon, 2011