Devils Peak Lookout

Open — The lookout is accessible year-round but winter access is extremely difficult due to snow at 5,045 feet elevation. The structure is maintained by volunteers and available first-come, first-served. The Forest Service has posted safety warnings and does not officially maintain the lookout for public use.

About

Devils Peak Lookout sits at the summit of 5,045-foot Devils Peak, the highest point in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness within Mount Hood National Forest. Built in the 1940s and decommissioned as a fire lookout in the 1970s, this historic structure has been maintained by volunteers and remains open to hikers for overnight stays. The lookout provides panoramic views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and the surrounding wilderness valleys. Access to the lookout requires a strenuous hike gaining approximately 3,200 feet over 4 miles via trails such as Cool Creek Trail or the route from Hunchback Mountain. The summit area features rocky viewpoints with natural rock gardens and increasingly obstructed western views as trees have grown over the decades. The lookout itself contains basic amenities including cots and a wood-burning stove, and is available first-come, first-served to all hikers. Note that the Forest Service has posted safety warnings about the structure and does not officially maintain it for public use. Winter access is particularly challenging due to snow accumulation at this elevation. The site is within designated wilderness, meaning no motorized access and primitive conditions throughout.

Directions

From Sandy, Oregon, take Highway 26 east approximately 30 miles to Rhododendron. Turn right onto FR 2610 (Still Creek Road). Follow for about 5 miles to reach trailheads providing access to Devils Peak. Multiple trails lead to the summit including Cool Creek Trail and routes via Hunchback Mountain.

Nearby Campgrounds