Clearing Weather Stock Image, Mt. Thielsen, Oregon

The needle sharp summit of Mount Thielsen near Diamond Lake, Oregon is intimidating, but hiking it as a kid with my dad may have been the kindling that start my trekking and climbing fire. The trail begins along a wooded path but its glacial features soon become apparent as you start the 9,182 foot climb. The small area at the peak is gained by scrambling up loose rock and finally by hand over hand clinging. The views of the east and west sides of the Cascades, from the Sisters to Mt. Shasta, is unsurpassed. This image of the snow leaden mountain with a winter storm breaking up shows both its beauty and treachery.