Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains
The Seven Devils Mountains extend along the Idaho/Oregon border for roughly 40 miles between the Idaho towns of White Bird and Council. They are bounded by the Snake River on the west and the Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers on the east. The range ranks high among Idaho's mountain chains in terms of ruggedness and scenic quality; it is the state's most precipitous range, with elevations varying from just above 1,000 feet at the Snake River to 9,393 feet on the summit of He Devil.
Seasonal Information: The Seven Devils area is only passable from the first week of July through mid-October. Even during these times, extremes in conditions are not uncommon! Be prepared for anything from snow to 95-degree temperatures.
Adapted from Exploring Idaho's Mountains: A Guide for Climbers, Scramblers & Hikers
In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes sections of both Idaho and Washington. This relatively new pseudo-national park includes most of the Seven Devils Mountains; 190,000 acres (including the entire high peak area of the central range) are designated as the Hells Canyon Wilderness. The southern section of the range is managed by the Payette National Forest , and the eastern foothills are managed by the Nez Perce National Forest.
The range is readily accessible, with the most popular route beginning in Riggins, Idaho, and allowing passenger autos to reach over 8,000 feet in elevation at Windy Saddle. While the southern and northern approach routes are more primitive, they do offer quick approaches to most of the Seven Devils' most important summits.
Hiking and climbing opportunities are above average. Due to the large elevation differentials, the Seven Devils have the longest hiking season of any Idaho mountain range, with hiking beginning along the Snake River in early March. While the best known trails are located within the Wilderness boundaries, many excellent trails are located in the southern Seven Devils, west of Council.
Because the peaks are conglomerations of hard and deteriorated rock strata, shattered towers, massive talus slopes and slanted rock bedding, climbing opportunities run the gamut from Class 1 hikes to Class 5 climbs on the Devils Tooth. Seven Devils peaks have a deceptive quality that often puts route-finding abilities to the test. Ledges appear and end in the most unlikely places, and chimneys that look very prominent are generally traps for the unwary. Climbing is a combination of slushing in talus, boulder-hopping, and climbing short, broken ledges. Technical climbing opportunities are limited by the loose rock that clutters every ledge, shelf, or ridge top. Using a rope for protection would, in most instances, invite rockfall which would more than likely destroy the rope or injure the climber.
In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes sections of both Idaho and Washington. This relatively new pseudo-national park includes most of the Seven Devils Mountains; 190,000 acres (including the entire high peak area of the central range) are designated as the Hells Canyon Wilderness. The southern section of the range is managed by the Payette National Forest , and the eastern foothills are managed by the Nez Perce National Forest.
The range is readily accessible, with the most popular route beginning in Riggins, Idaho, and allowing passenger autos to reach over 8,000 feet in elevation at Windy Saddle. While the southern and northern approach routes are more primitive, they do offer quick approaches to most of the Seven Devils' most important summits.
Hiking and climbing opportunities are above average. Due to the large elevation differentials, the Seven Devils have the longest hiking season of any Idaho mountain range, with hiking beginning along the Snake River in early March. While the best known trails are located within the Wilderness boundaries, many excellent trails are located in the southern Seven Devils, west of Council.
Because the peaks are conglomerations of hard and deteriorated rock strata, shattered towers, massive talus slopes and slanted rock bedding, climbing opportunities run the gamut from Class 1 hikes to Class 5 climbs on the Devils Tooth. Seven Devils peaks have a deceptive quality that often puts route-finding abilities to the test. Ledges appear and end in the most unlikely places, and chimneys that look very prominent are generally traps for the unwary. Climbing is a combination of slushing in talus, boulder-hopping, and climbing short, broken ledges. Technical climbing opportunities are limited by the loose rock that clutters every ledge, shelf, or ridge top. Using a rope for protection would, in most instances, invite rockfall which would more than likely destroy the rope or injure the climber.
Devils Tooth He Devil She Devil Tower of Babel Mount Ogre The Goblin
Recommended Reading...
Click for more information
