Climb Prospectus
Diamond Peak
http://www.summitpost.org/diamond-peak/150578
Date: September 17th, 2022 summit day (September 16th for optional backpack part way in)
Leader: Mike Buren 503-559-3003
steppebrother@gmail.com
Assistant: TBD
Sponsoring Leader: Shonee Langford
shoneelangford@gmail.com
Participants/Emergency contacts:
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Driving Directions: About 145 miles one-way. Approximately 3 hrs from Salem to the trailhead without stops. Sullivan's Hiking Guide to the Central Oregon Cascades describes the driving directions - Drive south on I-5 past Springfield and take Hwy 58 eastward toward Oakridge. Drive toward Oakridge. Take Willamette Hwy 58 east of Oakridge 1.8 miles. Turn south at “Hills Creek Dam” sign between mileposts 37 and 38. After half a mile bear right onto Road 21 and follow this paved route 29.2 miles. Beyond Indigo Springs Campground 0.4 mile, turn left on gravel Pioneer Gulch Road 2149 for 3.5 miles and turn right on Rockpile Road 2160 for 2.3 miles. Ignore the Pioneer Gulch trailhead and continue to a sign on the left marking the Rockpile trail. Park on the roads wide, right-hand shoulder 200 feet beyond and walk back to start the hike. 3.5 hours drive from Salem to the trailhead with a short dinner stop.
Proposed Route: South Ridge. See handout below for trail description.
Parking and start of hike: 5,390 ft
Rock Pile Lake: 6,060 ft @ 2.5 miles in
Summit: 8,744 ft @ 5.6 miles in
Round trip total: 11.2 miles
Total Elevation gain: 3,354 ft
Optional backpack to Rock Pile Lake is offered to climbers/family/friends in conjunction with the climb September 16th which is along the way to the summit. Others who aren't going to the summit may choose to come on this and play at the lake while the summiteers continue on the next day (sat). For some they would then pack up upon returning to the lake Saturday afternoon. For others they may decide to pack out on Sunday. If it is hot the summiteers may want to dip in the lake upon return from the top. Depending on forest conditions, open fires may not be allowed.
Itinerary
Sept 16th: Carpool leaves the Salem Motorpool lot at 2pm. Arrive trailhead about 5pm (later, if stops were made). Backpackers hike in to Rockpile Lake and spend the night (1 ½ hrs to lake carrying a backpack).
Sept 17th: Summit Day. Those not on the backpack will leave the motorpool parking lot by 3:30am (extra time needed for stops). Leave trailhead at 6:30am and meet the backpackers at the junction to Rockpile Lake at 7:45 am. Look for the sign at the junction to Rockpile Lake. Climbers leave the junction for the summit at 8 am. Summit by about 11 am. Back to Rockpile Lake by about 2 pm. Back to trailhead by about 3:00 pm. Backpackers may return a bit later after packing up camp.
Sept 18th: Backpackers who spent the extra night return to trailhead (1 hr hike out with pack).
Equipment:
Ten essentials (map, compass, whistle, personal first-aid, food,
water, sun screen, sunglasses, matches/candle/fire starter, head
lamp)
Lunch and snacks
Mosquito repellent/headnet for area near rockpile lake
Light-weight hiking boots or approach shoes.
Gaiters are optional but will keep scree/dust out of your socks
Extra socks if you tend to soak them (prevents blisters)
Three liters of water at start of climb
Windproof jacket and pants (breathable - e.g. Gortex)
Lightweight gloves or mittens
Pile or wool cap
Sun hat (optional)
Bring a warm layer to put on under your wind shell if weather changes (no cotton).
Trekking poles are optional but make the climb less tiring
Climbing equipment such as crampons, mountaineering boots, etc are not needed
Comments:
Be prepared for wind on the summit ridge. If the weather is questionable, leader will make decision on whether to go or not on Thursday night or Friday morning at the latest. If you have any questions, please give Leader a call or send an email.
Emergency Contacts:
Middle Fork Ranger District, 541/782-2283 or Willamette national Forest 541/225-6300 or Lane County Sheriff Office 541-682-4150
In-Town Contact: TBD. Friends and family can call contact to get updates on group if things don't go according to plan.