1.0 hr
Overview
From Sherar Burn Turnaround: From Kinzel Lake Camp: Devils Peak is graced by one of the few forest lookouts not destroyed by the Forest Service in the 1960s and 70s, a period when the agency shifted to aerial surveillance. Today, the humble, historic lookout is maintained by volunteers and is open to the public. The generally easy hike makes an ideal destination for children, who will be fascinated by the lookout and its rustic furnishings. For a slightly longer hike with more attractions, start at tiny Kinzel Lake, on the northeast shoulder of Devils Peak. Though the long, bumpy access road will be trying for parents, it will only add to the adventure for kids. While on the road, the short Veda Lake Hike is a fine companion to the Devils Peak excursion, since both can be easily hiked in a day. If you choose to begin your hike at Kinzel Lake, start by exploring the lake shore, where tiny, carnivorous sundew plants grow in the boggy edges. Then, passing the lake along campground trails to reach the Kinzel Lake Trail #655, turn right and climb 0.3 miles to the turnaround described above. There is a primitive campground at Kinzel Lake that makes for a good base camp for weekend explorations in the area or just a nice spot for a picnic at the end of your hike. From the turnaround, one sign marks the Kinzel Lake Trail #655, which drops to the lake (and alternate trailhead) in 0.3 mile, while another marks the Hunchback Trail #793, which climbs toward Devils Peak. Follow the Hunchback Trail in a forested traverse along the north slope of Devils Peak, with glimpses of Devils Tooth, a 400-foot rock monolith at 0.3 miles, and views of Mount Hood across the Still Creek Valley at 0.5 miles. The route continues through more trees, and then switchbacks twice below the summit of Devils Peak before reaching the Hunchback Mountain-Cool Creek Trail Junction. For the best views of Mount Hood, take a short, 200-yard trip to the right to reach a rocky crest traversed by the Cool Creek Trail. After soaking in the view of
Trail Stats
0.0 km
301 m
1537 m
0 m
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Photos
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KinzelLakeDevilsPeak.JPG
KinzelLakeDevilsPeak.JPG
300px-DevilsPeakHoodView
300px-DevilsPeakHoodView
300px-KinzelLake
300px-KinzelLake
400px-DevilsPeakLookout
400px-DevilsPeakLookout