Diamond Peak Wilderness: Deschutes


Diamond Peak Wilderness

Diamond Peak Wilderness straddles the Cascade Mountains. Diamond Peak was formed as the entire land mass of the Cascades was undergoing volcanic activity and uplift. Great glaciers carved the large volcanic peak and when they receded, the bulk of the mountain remained, with snowfields near the summit and dozens of small lakes surrounding the peak. This 52,611-acre Wilderness spans both the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests.

Lakes are one to 28 acres in size. Approximately 14 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail pass through this wilderness. Another 38 miles of trail, including the 10-mile Diamond Peak Trail, stretches the length of the west side of the peak.

Nearly the entire area is covered with mixed stands of mountain hemlock, lodgepole and western white pine, and silver, noble and other true firs.

Check out the Diamond Peak Wilderness georeference map here!

At a Glance

Permit Info: Wilderness Permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from June 15 through October 15. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
Restrictions:
  • Wilderness restrictions apply
  • Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the wilderness.
  • Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock.
  • Campfires are prohibited above 6,000 ft. in the Diamond Peak Wilderness (5,700 ft. in other Wilderness areas within the Deschutes National Forest).
  • Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water.
  • Pack in / Pack out!
  • “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”—please refrain from cutting, damaging or gathering vegetation or other forest items, i.e. rocks, etc.
  • Please bury human waste 6-8” deep and at least 200’ away from water.
Passes: Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes & Permits page for details.
Information Center: Deschutes National Forest: Willamette National Forest:

General Information

Directions:

Trail and trailhead access to Diamond Peak Wilderness:

From Crescent, OR (or Eugene) via Highway 58: 

Other trails within Diamond Peak Wilderness:

  • Stag Lake Trail and Pretty Lake Trail - access from Fawn Lake or Crater Butte Trails.

From Eugene, OR on Highway 58:

Topo Maps:

Cowhorn Mountain, Diamond Peak, Emigrant Butte, Groundhog Mountain, Rigdon Point. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.

Buy maps online

Go to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map store: https://store.usgs.gov/maps

Wilderness.net

Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.


Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Viewing Scenery

Alerts & Warnings

View All Forest Alerts