Devils Mountain sits by Little Mountain and Hades Hill near Mount Vernon. It is enormously prominent at over 80% of its height. Meanwhile, Cultus Mountain, the nearest higher neighbor, lies five miles to the east.
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Devils Mountain at a Glance
Access: Devils Mountain Road
Round Trip: 4.3 miles
Elevation Range: 760′-1727′
Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Amick Road in Mount Vernon, Washington
We pulled off to the side of Amick Road by the Devils Mountain Road turnoff. As we were getting ready, a man and his dog exited the gate and left in the only other car. We were likely the only ones here this morning.
A neighborhood dog skittishly crossed the street toward us as we took off. Cody and I then waited a few minutes until the owner showed up moments later. Then we walked and chatted a bit before parting ways.
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Walking Devils Mountain Road
The access road had little to see, mainly because of the cloudy weather. But I’d expected that since we were in the forest. Soon, I spotted a tiny, abandoned house by the roadway that came with a treehouse.
The hike to and from the radio towers was slightly over four miles. It didn’t seem to take long before we reached the northwest saddle. From there, Scott Mountain was our only view to the west in the forest.
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Seeing Big Lake Below Devils Mountain
Several communications towers occupied the top of this little mountain. East of the saddle were several small utility buildings as well. Besides that, the misty weather didn’t give us much to enjoy.
After a break, we walked east back on the road for another 500′. Soon, we reached the shorter high point and saw Big Lake, some Devils Lake, and eastern peaks. Meanwhile, thick clouds hover over the nearby mountains.
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Viewing Puget Sound in the Rain
We walked down the spur road south of the towers and hoped to see more. Sure enough, we enjoyed the unobstructed views out to the west, so at least we saw something.
Just as I decided to stay a while longer, the rain came. Later came the unexpected flurries that continued for 10 minutes. Views of Puget Sound would’ve been much grander if it weren’t for the poor weather.
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Leaving Mount Vernon
The rain stopped as we were on the way to the freeway. But as we drove past Little Mountain Park, I quickly turned the car around into the parking lot. We could use another short hike since we were here.
But as luck would have it, it started pouring as we were about to get outside. Next time, perhaps!
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I came across this post after searching to see if I could find photos of “my” mountain. I would love to gave a chance to share with you……that photo of the abandoned house was my family’s. There was a beautiful cabin just 50 ft or so to the left side of it. So the pic is of our shed. I raised my rabbits there. Worked on my dads bulldozer next to it. Sat nearby and watched my dad sharpen his chainsaw. After we moved up to our new house on the next road, Chanterelle Lane (we owned ALL the land between Devil’s Mtn. Road and Chanterelle) and my parents divorced, my dad had to move out of our cabin and rent it to make money. He lived in that shed. It was his home for a time. Your photo made me cry. Mostly happy tears. I never thought that I would see it again….I live on the other side of the country. And I knew our beautiful hand built cabin was torn down. You titled your picture “Memory”. My shed where I played with imaginary friends, held my rabbits, ate huckleberries, climbed on bulldozers, sorted tools, cared for a porcupine quilled dog, sat on the hood of our 1969 black Camero, picked Salmon berries, built endless forts, raced horses with my cousin up that road, and where I looked with suspicion at anyone driving up the road to find the lake (or to access the towers — every company up there had to have an easement contract with us) ….you gave the title “memory”. How fitting. I would love to share a couple pictures with you of the beautiful house that used to stand there, if you were interested. Thank you. I see that people call it the Dumpster Dive hike, but it used to be beautiful before logging and the destruction of my home. That pic means a lot. Thank you.
Lisa Usher (Jeffries)
Happymainemom@yahoo.com
Hi Lisa,
I hope all is well on the other side of the country! Thanks so much for sharing the touching story! I also shared it with a few friends. You never know what you might come across on a hike as straightforward as Devils Mountain. I’ve often pondered the back story of some of the artifacts I find during a walk. In life, we often underestimate the power of things we find trivial. But we only come to appreciate them when we understand the full story.
I walked up the road yesterday as I missed the turnoff to Little Mountain, lol. I wanted to find spot to let my Standard Poodle run, and maybe find a spot for foraging.
I did wonder about the abandoned buildings and structures in the trees, and so I appreciate the putting lovely history to them.
There was another man hiking up the road, but he turned around before reaching me.
Is it possible to get into either of the lakes? I don’t fish, but like a nice lake 🙂
Hi Andrée,
I didn’t research any of the lakes. But judging by the nearby roads, you should be able to drive to Devils Lake via the namesake roadway. Big Lake looks residential from Google Earth, and it sits right next to Highway 9.
Happy hiking!
The road is private to Devils Lake but Big Lake does have a public boat launch, Lake 16 is great for fishing nearby.
Great to know, thanks, Crystal!