Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Mount Thielsen Wilderness
About
National Forest
Deschutes National Forest
Mt. Thielsen Wilderness encompasses 54,914 acres and runs along the crest of the Cascades 80 miles east of Roseburg and just north of Crater Lake National Park. Elevations range from 5,000' to the 9,182' summit of Mount Thielsen. Born of the same volcanic activity that created Crater Lake, this is the land of fire and ice.
Much of the Mount Thielsen Wilderness is made up of high alpine forests and open meadows. The terrain is moderate but becomes very steep toward the crest of the Cascade Mountains. Timberline stands at about 7,200 feet, just above a forest of mountain hemlock and fir mixed with whitebark pine. Lodgepole pine dominates the vegetation at lower elevations. The many streams in the area carry a substantial amount of snowmelt in spring.
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail winds through the Mount Thielsen Wilderness for 26 miles along the summit of the Cascade Range. For a more serene wilderness adventure, hike into Lake Lucille or Maidu Lake on the North Umpqua Trail #1414. The trail passes over deep pumice that was deposited when Mt. Mazama erupted to form Crater Lake. The famed North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River begins at Maidu on its long trek to the Pacific Ocean.
Fee Info
Wilderness Permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from Memorial Day Weekend until Oct. 31. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonFair
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Guideloved it
Easy to access road. So so many spots below, and a few great ones up the hill. We stayed below since we arrived late at night. Nice little walk in the morning up the hill, good views. Quick drive to crater lake. There were mosquitoes, but some deet and no prob.
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TravelerGreat family dispersed spot!
We drove to this little spot after a busy day at crater lake July 2nd. We arrived about 6pm. Having seen a YouTube video about this spot in advance, we 4x4 straight to the top in my f150. Little bumpy but no problem getting up. At the very top, another truck with a RTT beat us, but we took the sheltered spot deep in the “rock quarry” center area.
We were worried about mosquitos due to so many reviews complaining, but it was pretty clear overall. There were a few, but really not a nuisance at all. I did use deet lotion, but my partner didn’t and she didn’t seem to mind at all. We walked to the tippy top section where are are trees and there were swarms on misquotes, but down in the rocks was pretty clear.
Got a fire started under the full moon and had a wonderful night with my family. 10 out of 10.
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TravelerQuiet spot by Crater Lake
Nice quiet spot off the main road. There are several flat spots for tents or small campers. The road is pretty good though we didn’t try to go up the mountain. There are lots of bugs and you can hear the occasional chainsaw, so just be aware.
Location
Mount Thielsen Wilderness is located in Oregon
Coordinates
43.09919 N
122.07643 W