Mount Teshio
# Mount Teshio

Mount Teshio (天塩岳, Teshio-dake) is the tallest mountain in the Kitami Mountains. It is located on the border of Shibetsu and Takinoue, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the source of the Teshio River.

## History

On January 6, 1978, Mount Teshio and the surrounding region was designated the Mount Teshio Prefectural Natural Park (天塩岳道立自然公園, Teshio-dake Dōritsu Shizenkōen).

## Geology

Mount Teshio is composed of felsic non-alkali rock from 15 to 7 million years old.

## Flora and fauna

At the base of the mountain there are abundant black woodpeckers as well as Japanese red foxes and Hokkaidō brown bears. Near the summit, pika can be found.

Prominent alpine plants on the mountain are Rhododendron aureum and Diapensia lapponica.

## Climbing routes

There are three climbing routes up the mountain:

* New Trail (新道コース) is 5.4 kilometres (3.4 mi) and 3.5 hours to the top.
* Mount Mae Teshio Trail (前天塩コース) is 9.1 kilometres (5.7 mi) and a 4-hour climb over Mount Mae Teshio.
* Historic Trail (旧道（沢）コース) starts on the Mount Mae Teshio trail and branches off. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) and 3.5 hours to the top. This trail is only for experienced climbers.

There is a connecting path between the new trail and the other two trails.

