Devils Mountain

Some mountains are located in perfect position for communication towers. Devils Mountain is one of those, with a position at a point where the Cascades nearly push to the edge of Puget Sound. Before the metal radio towers, the site was also utilized for fire observation.

Former Cascade LO

Elevation: 1,727 feet
Distance: 2.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Access: Paved

Access

From I-5, take the Anderson Road exit at the south end of Mt. Vernon. Head east on Anderson Road which wraps around a new roundabout soon reaching Blackburn Road. Make a right on Blackburn Road following it until Little Mountain Road vears off to the right. Now on Little Mountain Road, follow it to the end at a T intersection. Turn right on Amick Road. Take Amick Road roughly a mile to where you see a gated road on left. If you hit Chantrelle Lane you went to far. There is one little space for a car right by the gated road, another spot is back on Amick.

Use the map. There are a few new spur roads along the way that don't lead to the summit. In the 1960's there was a trail that led down to Lake 10 from the major swichback just before the summit. It started 100 feet beyond an old gate that was at the switchback/curve. You can find pieces of that old gate on the right where a parking spot is located. I don't know if the trail is still intact. Be sure to hike past the communication site to find the highpoint and best views.

Route

WillhiteWeb.com

USDOE Bonneville Power 2012

1998 USGS

Access Map

Devils Mountain 1956

Devils Mountain 1967

Devils Mountain 1970...coming down

Ok, that is pretty ugly

Looking west from a landing a bit below the summit to the west

Starting gate

Looking up to the road as it goes into that gap

Road climbing up the north side of the summit

Looking over at the com site from the highpoint

Devil's Mountain Site

Skagit Bay

From the highpoint looking east

Looking north from the highpoint

Big Lake

Old Footsore series books map

Lookout Histroy

In 1936, an 84-foot treated timber fire tower was built with an accompanying ground cabin living quarters.

In 1942, the AWS during WWII used the site to become duel use, activated March 9. A 12 x 20-foot garage was added during that time. One official thought the lookout was 100 feet tall.

In 1960, the tower was trimmed to 40 feet and modernized with a DNR cab added to the top.
In 1964 and 1965, the lookout was Mary Lutz.
In 1966, the lookout was Noreen Josephson.
In 1970 the lookout was removed or destroyed.