Trip Report.

My partner and I decided to do Devil’s Peak L.O. as a day hike via Cool Creek Trail #794. There are other access trails to this lookout but this one seemed to be the most direct. And by most direct I mean very steep. It was like the Stairmaster of hikes. For 3.5 miles you are essentially walking straight up and when you think you’re close you will continue to hike up. It climbs a grueling 3,200 feet of elevation in those few miles. The trail starts off of NF-2612 which is also marked as Still Creek Road. It is paved most of the way until the last 1/2 mile where it turns to maintained gravel. The trailhead is just a pullout along the one lane road and can be missed if you’re not looking for the sign. We didn’t see anyone else our whole hike up to the lookout. We had a quick lunch at the summit as we explored the inside. It was a cloudy November day and we were rapidly losing sunlight. As we raced down the trail we passed another couple on their way to the summit. We were surprised to see someone else heading up so late. They only had day packs as well so we knew they weren’t staying the night. Most of our hike down was in blue hour and by the last mile we had our head lamps out. We didn’t reach my Civic until it was already dark out. The other couple came down shortly after us with their own set of head lamps. Off season hiking always becomes a race against the sun.

History.

Devil’s Peak L.O. was originally built in 1924 and decommissioned in 1964. It is an 8′ tower with an L-4 cab and listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. The lookout is maintained by volunteers and they have kept it in great condition. The entire structure is open to the public and you can even stay in it on a first-come first-serve basis. I really want to do this sometime but the thought of lugging a heavy backpack up this trail is less appealing. There is no water source up there either, so not only do you have to carry your standard gear but water as well. You still get views of Mt Hood and the surrounding peaks but since it hasn’t been active in years the trees are slowly obstructing the tower’s views.

More Information.

US Forest Service

Oregon Hikers

AllTrails