Devils Dome Lookout Site

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In 1933 a L-5 cab was built.

In 1935 panoramic images were taken from the ground although the lookout house shadow is visible.

Barney Douglass spent 2 summers on Devils Dome (and 2 at Desolation). He tells of a story when he was away from his lookout, a couple of young women arrived at the lookout. They decided to help the poor lonely man who lived there by making a batch of fudge for him. Barney says the fudge was good but the ladies had used his entire summer stock of chocolate and sugar.

In 1968 this lookout was abandoned.

Former Lookouts

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Lookout Elevation: 6,982 feet
Hiking Distance: 40 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Devils Loop is 10,500 feet of gain
County: Whatcom

Looking Southeast, August 7, 1935

Looking Southwest, August 7, 1935

Looking North, August 7, 1935

Supplement - Looking North, August 7, 1935 (see image above, shot about 300 feet out)

1955 Forest Service map

There are two trailheads along Highway 20 where you can start and end the loop hike. The East Bank Trailhead is free and has a bridge. The other is Canyon Creek Trailhead but the bridge often washes out requiring a ford that is only possible later in the season.

Access

Lots of info online about this route but be aware that permits on the Ross Lake portion are a pain to obtain. Strong hikers can do what I did and hike the Pasayten Wilderness section, then after camping on Devils Dome, hike the Ross Lake Recreation Area in a long push on the last day, and not camp there. I did the hike in 2 days but most do the hike in three or four days.

Route