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.
See more trip photos here.
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.
See more trip photos here.
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.
See more trip photos here.
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.
See more trip photos here.
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.
See more trip photos here.
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!
See more trip photos here.