Heavens Gate Lookout

School was delayed a week this year, so we were able to sneak in an afternoon at Heaven's Gate Lookout with the girls the last week of August. This is a great place to take out of town visitors who have seen all the local lakes & trees already. From the lookout you can see 4 states; Idaho, Oregon, Washington & Montana. Canada too, I suppose, if you have really good eyesight.

It was surprisingly chilly for late August, but then the whole summer has been very mild. Here we have the gang bundled up & posing at the parking lot sign, before heading up the trail.

To get to the lookout from New Meadows, you head down to Riggins turning left on Seven Devils Road. Seven Devils road climbs up through an interesting residential area and then turns to dirt after a few miles. Once you arrive at the top you have a choice of parking in the large lot, going on to Seven Devils campground, or continuing on to the lookout parking area. From the lookout parking area, you have a 3/4 mile hike up to the lookout itself.

Excellent views in all directions. Here Gordy is looking north, with the seven devils behind him. Below is looking down towards the parking lot. You can see Oregon & Hells Canyon in the distance.

They did a great job with the signage. This one points out six of the seven devils: Black Imp, The Goblin, The Ogre, Tower of Babel, She Devil and He Devil.

Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch. Only one bench to sit on, but plenty of rocks.

The views from the lookout restroom can't be beat. More modern facilities can be found at the main parking lot, but this one certainly has it's charm.

I wouldn't want to make the climb back up to the lookout from the facilities in the dark.Looking towards Montana.Another must see is Seven Devils Lake. To find it you drive to the campground, park near the marked trail head and hike about 1/2 mile. It's a very small lake, but it gives you a taste of the seven devils lakes that can only be accessed by several hours of hiking.