The Tumble Lake Area has a variety of wild pinnacles perched high along the ridge overlooking Tumble Lake. Steep forested slopes embellished in deep green, rugged rocky spires that stand like lone sentinels, and majestic views of Mt. Jefferson create a perfect place for exploring and photography. The not-so-common destination in this region is usually Needle Rock. This spire is the premier classic of the entire Tumble Lake region. Needle Rock has seen just a mere handful of ascents since it was first ascended by Eugene Dod and Jim Nieland.
The Tumble Lake hills are accentuated with a unique forested structure composed mostly of Mountain Hemlock, Spruce, Douglas Fir and low growing Vine Maple. Clumps of stout Bear Grass are plentiful on all the slopes, while tiny Rock Ferns, alumroot, and colorful penstemon can be found on vertical cliff scarps.
For Directions and Beta: see the Santiam Climbing chapter in the Northwest Oregon Rock guidebook.
One very old guidebook details a minor bit about this site (primarily historical reference): A Climbing Guide to Oregon, by Nick Dodge (print date 1973)
Services: The nearest gas station is in Detroit Lake, Oregon.
Amenities: The tiny community of Detroit Lake has it all and is very popular during the summer months. Basic restaurant, minor grocery store, fast-food eatery, fishing, boating, and nearby campgrounds.
Camping: Two very popular campgrounds (often booked), one is Lakeshore CG, and the other is Upper Arm CG. Both are about 1 mile from town. Hoover CG on the south shore of the lake is a third option. There are numerous roadside free camping options (the closest ones to the lake are often crowded) especially 1-2 miles away from the lake.
Administrative Agency: This region is managed by Detroit Ranger District, Detroit, Oregon 97342, 503-854-3366
Seasonal Factors: Access is limited to July-October usually. The primary highway is open all year, but this region gets plenty of snow in the winter.
Climbing Precautions: Wear a helmet and know how to use pitons.
Road access conditions: Paved road to Detroit Lake, and paved for the first 3 miles on the NF road, then maintained NF gravel roads to Knutson Saddle.