Thielsen Creek

Mt. Thielsen from Thielsen Creek Camp

  • Difficult (to Thielsen Meadow)
  • 11.4 miles round-trip
  • 1650 feet elevation gain
  • Open end of July through October
  • Use: hikers and horses


  • Difficult (to Howlock Meadows)
  • 15.7-mile loop
  • 2000 feet elevation gain


Mt. Thielsen looms like the Matterhorn above Thielsen Meadow, an alpine glen with a bubbling mountain stream. If you have extra energy after hiking to Thielsen Meadow you can return on a Pacific Crest Trail loop via Howlock Meadows, a broader field at another mountain’s base. In either case, be prepared for mosquitoes from late July until mid-August and expect horse traffic on the first few dusty miles from the trailhead.

To find the trailhead …

If you’re interested in the longer loop hike, turn left …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon.