Seven Devils, Black Lake, Bear, Cuprum
The Seven Devils Mountain comprise the ridge which creates the two deepest canyons in North America, Hell's Canyon and the Salmon River Canyon. At the top of the Seven Devils where this photo was taken lies a very difficult set of hiking trails allowing the user to fully explore the area.
This is a photograph of the 25 year-old me with my dog Lupus as we struck out on a week-long exploration of the Seven Devils. You can see that my pack is quite full. It weighed about 70 pounds. The reason being is that my wife was carrying our 1-year-old daughter and her own sleeping bag. I was carrying everything else. Oh, not quite. Lupus was carrying his own food!
We made it about 1/4 of a mile from where this photo was taken, quickly realizing that we were not physically up to making this trip. We turned around and spent several days at the Spring Shores Resort in McCall.
The point to make is that this is rugged, unforgiving country and it did not take long for it to beat us.
Seven Devils is an amazing place to visit. The road to the top leaves US 95 just prior to reaching Riggins, Idaho. Once there, there are multiple lakes to fish and some very nice campgrounds. Oh, and some amazing foot trails for those in better condition than I was.
Hiking a ridge north of Heavens Gate Lookout
Heavens Gate Lookout
Collecting rocks
At the very southern tip of the Seven Devils Mountain Range is Black Lake. This a small lake which is accessible via the towns of Bear and Cuprum. Drive to Council, Idaho and turn west onto the Council Cuprum Road. Staying on the road will lead you to the town of Bear.
Continue driving on this road 2.7 miles to reach coordinates: 45° 04.93' north, 116° 37.87' west.
Continue driving on this road 1.3miles to reach coordinates: 45° 05.85' north, 116° 37.70' west.
Continue driving on this road 4.0 miles to reach coordinates: 45° 08.19' north, 116° 34.92' west. Here the road to Smith Mountain Lookout takes off. It is worth the drive to the top.
Road up to Horse Mountain Lookout
Smith Mountain Lookout
Looking north towards the Seven Devils
Continue driving on this road 7.0 miles to reach coordinates: 45° 11.33' north, 116° 33.69' west and arrive at Black Lake.
Black Lake was the location of the Black Lake ghost town and the Black Lake Mine.
Black Lake
Mining cabin from the Black Lake town site
Black Lake Mine, Idaho
The Horse Mountain Lookout is north northwest of Cuprum, Idaho. It provides an amazing view into the Salmon River Breaks area.
There are multiple ways to access this lookout. We sort of lucked-out into finding the right road in. I was not able to retrace my route, so it provides the reader an opportunity to devlop their Orienteering skills.
Horse Mountain Lookout
