I got out Sunday for a short hike up to Devils Peak Lookout by way of the Cool Creek Trail. I tried this hike five years ago in May and lost the trail in the snow half way up. This is mostly a walk in the woods with a few viewpoints on the way. The trail is about 8 miles round trip with 3200 ft elevation gain. I was on the trail for about 5 hours.
Here is a photo essay of my hike.
Nice new trail-head sign. I don’t remember that being there five years ago. The trail starts an immediate uphill climb.
The trail-head is a little hard to find and not much parking available but not many people use the trail either.
After a dozen plus steep switchbacks you get your first view through the trees of Mt. Hood.
In this case I also saw a hawk catching the early morning thermals to get up and over the ridge.
In this case I also saw a hawk catching the early morning thermals to get up and over the ridge.
The first good view spot come about mile and half into the hike and 1000 plus elevation gain. The trail skirts and open area with views of Mt. Hood. From here the trail turns back into the tree with some old growth.
Mt. Hood about 9 am in the morning.
This is the area I lost the trail in the snow five years ago.
The area is full of rhododendrons but before it had 4 feet of snow.
There were some rhododendrons still blooming but most had gone to seed.
This photo of Mt. Hood was from the second view spot about a mile up the trail.
A view Devils Peak from a rock out cropping and view point about ¼ mile away.
The sign points to the last bit of trail that takes you to the top.
The old Devils Peak fire watch structure.
Another view of the lookout. The area around it is pretty trashed out.
One more view of the lookout.
Weathered wood shutters protect the glass windows. This place looks like it has been many years since any major work has been done on it.
Inside the lookout there is a stove and two cots.
One of the cots but I think it would be cleaner to sleep on the ground. Some of these old lookout are kept in great shape. This is not one of them.
A view of Mt. Hood right out the door. Trees have grown up around the place so this is the only view there is now.
The view of Mt. Hood from the Devils Peak Lookout.
Last look at the lookout before heading back down the trail.
This was the only good bear grass bloom I saw as all of the rest had gone to seed.
A small patch of phlox. There were some wild flowers still in bloom.
Trail sign pointing the way back down the Cool Creek Trail.
A photo of Mt. Hood from a viewpoint on the way back.
Mt. Hood later in the day.
Close up of Mt. Hood.
Mt. Hood with Tom Dick ridge in front of it.
The Cascade Lilies were blooming along this section of the trail.
These elegant flowers seam so out of place out in the woods.
They have the sweetest fragrance.
One more shot of the Cascade Lilly.
I had one last look at Mt. Hood before heading back into the wood and back to the trail head.
Map of route. Just an out and back.