Hike of the Week: Devil's Butte
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Devil's Butte
Nothing evil about this hike on Lord Hill
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
Quick Facts
Location: Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Contact: Snohomish County Parks http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks
Notes: Dogs must be on leash
Access: From the city of Snohomish, exit SR 9 onto 2nd Street. Proceed east for a one mile; then turn right onto Lincoln Ave which becomes the Old Snohomish-Monroe Highway. After 2.7 miles turn right (south) onto 127th Ave SE and proceed for about 1.6 miles to park entrance and trailhead.
Despite the demonic name, Devil’s Butte is quite a serene place. A quiet corner of Lord Hill Regional Park, it’s not a likely place the Prince of Darkness would recreate at. And Lord Hill, which was actually named after an early settler, not the Creator, is indeed a heavenly place. Comprising of over 1,400-acres of forested slopes, lush ravines, basaltic outcroppings, scores of wetland ponds, and a wild undeveloped stretch of the Snohomish River, it’s an immense natural area just minutes from Everett. With over eleven miles of trails and several more miles of old woods road, this former Department of Natural Resources Property provides countless hiking options. And the one to Devil’s Butte is one of the quieter destinations.
From the trailhead follow the main trail through a cool forest of big trees, dropping into a marshy depression. A series of boardwalks will help keep your boots from getting wet. At .4 mile, come to a junction with the Beaver Lake Trail. Turn right continuing on the main trail coming to another junction after .3 mile. This is with the West View Trail. Take it veering right on what was once an old woods road now a pleasant path through maturing forest.
After another half mile or so and some gradual climbing you’ll reach yet another junction. Right heads to Devil’s Butte. The trail drops in to a pretty wetland area then climbs a little ending in forest without fanfare. There is an unmarked trail that takes off right to climb the butte but you’ll be disappointed if you follow it. The butte is capped with two large towers and there are no views.
Instead retreat back to the last junction and head right coming to a small loop at West View. Here you’ll be granted a pleasant albeit growing in view north to Mount Baker. The trees are growing in fast so don’t wait too long to do this hike if you seek a view for your reward. The biggest draw to this hike is its solitude as most Lord Hill visitors head to other more popular locations.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Devil's Butte visit Click here for link to Snohomish County
