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Seven Devils Loop

Payette National Forest, Idaho · 4 min read

Distance
27 mi
Elevation Gain
7,200 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Hells Canyon overlooks with views 7,000 feet down to the Snake River
  • Multiple alpine lakes including Seven Devils Lake and Shelf Lake
  • Seven volcanic peaks with He Devil reaching 9,393 feet
  • Remote wilderness atmosphere despite proximity to Riggins and Lewiston
  • Mountain goats, mule deer, and bighorn sheep throughout the route

Overview

The Seven Devils Loop is the defining backpacking route of the Payette National Forest, a 27-mile circuit through volcanic peaks that rise above Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge. The route combines dramatic canyon overlooks, multiple alpine lakes, and encounter with the volcanic geology of the Seven Devils Mountains. Located in Idaho's Adams County near Riggins, this is a serious multi-day commitment rewarded with scenery that is genuinely rare.

The Seven Devils form the rim above Hells Canyon, where the Snake River has cut 7,993 feet below the plateau. From the high points of the loop, hikers look down one of the most extreme vertical drops accessible by trail in North America. He Devil, the highest of the Seven Devils at 9,393 feet, is visible throughout the route and climbed via side trail.

The Route

Windy Saddle to Hanson Lakes (0 to 5.0 miles)

The loop begins at Windy Saddle, already at 7,700 feet elevation after the drive up the Seven Devils Road. The trail drops into the main Seven Devils basin and passes the Hanson Lakes cluster, a series of four lakes in a cirque basin ideal for first-night camping. Total gain on day one is modest given the high trailhead elevation.

Hanson Lakes to Seven Devils Lake (5.0 to 10.0 miles)

The route circles through the volcanic terrain of the central basin, passing several more lakes including Gem and Mirror Lakes. The trail stays high and the Hells Canyon views are continuous. The volcanic rock formations in this section are distinctive, with red and black basalt contrasting against the blue of the alpine lakes.

Seven Devils Lake to Shelf Lake (10.0 to 17.0 miles)

The longest section of the loop traverses the northern arc of the Seven Devils, reaching Shelf Lake in a spectacular basin below the canyon rim. The canyon overlooks in this section provide the most dramatic views of the route: the Snake River is visible 7,000 feet below on clear days.

Shelf Lake to Windy Saddle (17.0 to 27.0 miles)

The final section returns to the trailhead via the eastern side of the loop, passing through increasingly open terrain with views back into the central basin. The final miles back to Windy Saddle are mostly downhill.

When to Hike

July through August is the prime window. The road typically opens in early to mid-July and the trails clear snow around the same time. August sees the most stable weather and the most reliable lake access.

September is excellent for solitude and fall light. The Seven Devils see very few visitors after Labor Day and the cooler temperatures are ideal for the demanding terrain. Snow is possible in September at the highest points.

What to Bring

Multi-day backpacking requires full preparation: shelter, sleep system appropriate for sub-freezing nights at altitude, bear canister or hang system for food storage (black bears and occasional mountain lions are present), water filter, and navigation tools. Cell service is nonexistent on the loop. A satellite communicator is strongly recommended.

Many backpackers carry 3 to 4 liters of water capacity with frequent refills from the abundant lake and stream sources. Fuel and bear-safe food storage are the logistics to plan carefully. Review bear canister requirements before this trip.

Trailhead Access

Windy Saddle Trailhead is at the top of Seven Devils Road (Forest Road 517), reached from Riggins on US-95. The road gains over 4,000 feet in approximately 17 miles and requires a high-clearance vehicle. No fee or permit is required for the trail (as of 2026). No restroom at the trailhead. The road typically opens in July and closes with fall snowfall.

Dogs are permitted with the caveat that the multi-day volcanic terrain is demanding.

Nearby

The Seven Devils Loop is the crown jewel of Payette hiking. Goose Lake Trail offers a day-hike introduction to the Seven Devils terrain from the same trailhead area. Rapid River Trail in the Riggins corridor is a good day-hike complement for those spending time in the western Payette.

Check conditions and road status using the USFS guide before committing to the Seven Devils Road approach. Practice Leave No Trace principles meticulously in the lake basins, which show concentrated impact during the summer season.

Trailhead Parking

Large gravel lot at the Windy Saddle Trailhead above Hells Canyon. High clearance vehicle required on the Seven Devils Road; the road is typically open July through October. Space for 30 to 40 vehicles.

← Back to Payette National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Seven Devils Loop take?
Most backpackers complete the 27-mile loop in 3 to 4 days. Day hiking the full loop is not realistic for most people given the distance and total elevation gain. Strong, experienced hikers occasionally do it in 2 long days.
Is the Seven Devils Loop dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on the Seven Devils Loop. The rocky volcanic terrain in the high sections is demanding on paws and the 7,200-foot total elevation change is a significant effort for dogs. Assess your dog's fitness carefully for a multi-day effort.
When does the Seven Devils Road open?
The Seven Devils Road (Forest Road 517) typically opens in July after snowmelt. It closes in October with the first significant snowfall. The road requires a high-clearance vehicle. Check with the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area for current road conditions (as of 2026).