| September 2003: Nearly climbed
Diamond Peak |
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The central Oregon landscape is one of
rolling forested hillsides, clear mountain lakes, and volcanic peaks. Here, the
point of Mt. Theilsen rises above Summit Lake, in the area south of Diamond
Peak. |
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This small pond was created by a small
melting glacier on the east slopes of Diamond Peak, at about 8,000ft elevation.
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Here is a view of the north summit of Diamond
Peak and the surrounding mountaintop environment. At 8,629ft, it is slightly
lower than the true, south summit - 8,744ft. |
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This stunted tree was the only one I saw at
this elevation - about 8,450ft. Due to the often severe weather in this
environment, the tree will likely never get much larger than this. It may have
taken dozens of years just to reach this size. In the distance is the summit of
Diamond Peak. |
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The alpine environment on top of Diamond Peak
is a great place to spend a Sunday morning... or any morning! |
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I had hoped to climb to the true summit of
Diamond peak, but I encountered a troublesome rock formation along the ridge
just below the top. The formation can be seen here just to the left of center
in this photo. There is an easier route to the top from the south slope of the
mountain. I climbed to the top of the formation & waved to some people on
the summit, only 200 ft above me. Then, confounded by steep volcanic cliffs on
all sides, I had no choice but to return the way I came. |
