Go on a weekday if you can, and head up early. While we lucked out and got the cabin on a weekend, it was probably just that - luck!

Getting There

Visitors have two ways to get to the Devil's Peak Lookout: Drive 7 miles up a white-knuckling rocky forest road and hike a relatively flat 1.5 miles in from Kinzel Lake, or park at the Cool Creek Trailhead and hike a hard 4 miles and 3200 feet straight up.

Accommodations

The lookout is first-come, first-serve, so bring a tent just in case. If the lookout is claimed before you get there, you can camp out around the lookout. There are some flat spaces set up under the trees to the west of the lookout.

If you get there first and have a small party, make room for others. Four people can easily sleep in the lookout. Sharing is caring!

Activities

You can spend all day reading, writing, playing games (there is currently Jenga, a cribbage set, and a mysterious puzzle that is surely missing at least 2 pieces up in the lookout), staring at Mount Hood, and exploring the area.

Kinzel Lake is about 1.5 miles away from the lookout if you want to take a longer walk around and go see a small somewhat uninteresting lake.

Food and Water

There is a water spring about .2 miles from the lookout. There is a map with easy directions in the tower. It's a bit of a climb down to get there but it's the only fresh water source around.

Watch for mice! We didn't encounter any during our stay but apparently they are notorious for getting in and getting into your food supply. Bring mice-proof containers for your food.

SAFETY

There are some fire pits around the lookout - but there is a "No Fire" sign posted at the trailhead. If it's dry in Oregon, please don't chance it. Use the wood stove in the lookout instead.

Final Advice

Follow the Code of the Lookout: Clean up after yourself, never leave with the wood stove going, take only what you need, leave whatever you don't, and pack out your trash. Be a good guest so that the lookout remains open and free to use for all!

Questions?

I'm happy to help you plan your adventure to the lookout! Leave a comment below or email me at yesmomimalive@gmail.com

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