She-Devil

She-Devil ranks No. 52 among the 57 ultra-prominent peaks in the contiguous United States, rising 9,400 feet in the Seven Devils Mountains of western Idaho near Hells Canyon with 5,200 feet of clean prominence. It is the high point of a rugged volcanic massif above one of North America's deepest river gorges on the Idaho-Oregon border. Most climbers use the She-Devil High Route for 7 or more miles round-trip with 3,000 to 4,000 feet of gain on Class 3 terrain across loose volcanic rock.

The high-point status of She-Devil versus He-Devil was historically ambiguous because the two summits are nearly identical in height. Recent precision survey data has measured She-Devil at 9,385.89 feet and He-Devil at 9,385.63 feet, suggesting that She-Devil is higher by approximately three inches. This makes She-Devil the currently accepted ultra-prominent peak of the pair and the recognized target for climbers pursuing the Ultra-57 list. Older publications and some sources may still list the peaks as co-equal or attribute ultra-prominent status to He-Devil. Parties pursuing the list can plan a direct ascent of She-Devil alone via Class 3 terrain, avoiding the Class 4 complications that arise when attempting to link both peaks via the direct ridge traverse. Many climbers nonetheless visit both peaks in a single day by descending She-Devil and approaching He-Devil separately, though this adds significant time and elevation loss.

She-Devil High Route

The She-Devil High Route approaches from Windy Saddle Trailhead, accessed via Forest Road 517 from Riggins. From the trailhead at roughly 7,600 feet, the route joins the Seven Devils Loop Trail junction and transitions to cross-country terrain toward the Sheep Lake area. The route involves approximately 3,000 to 4,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain due to ridge transitions, lake approaches, and multiple ascents across complex terrain. The overall commitment typically requires 7 to 10 hours. Class 3 scrambling dominates the High Route's ridge approaches, with terrain composed of exposed talus and scree fields throughout. With careful route-finding, the standard direct ascent of She-Devil stays solidly Class 3. The Class 4 terrain is encountered only when attempting a direct ridge traverse from She-Devil to He-Devil, a connection that requires experienced scrambling and significant exposure. Most parties who want both peaks instead descend She-Devil and approach He-Devil separately via its standard northwest ridge (Class 2–3), which adds considerable time and elevation loss but avoids the difficult traverse.

Key Landmarks

• Windy Saddle Trailhead (~7,600 ft)
• Seven Devils Loop Trail junction
• Sheep Lake area
• She-Devil summit (~9,400 ft)

July through September is peak season for the She-Devil High Route, when snow has cleared from the alpine terrain and access via Forest Road 517 is generally reliable. Loose volcanic rock and extensive talus and scree fields dominate the route, with dead-ends, loose gullies, and vanishing ledges possible when route-finding fails. Exposed positions carry wind exposure and rapid weather changes; afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer. The remote Hells Canyon Wilderness location demands complete self-sufficiency and self-rescue capability.