It's still snow going on tricky trail to Gallagher Head Lake

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August 5, 1999

It's still snow going on tricky trail to Gallagher Head Lake

By KAREN SYKES
SPECIAL TO THE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Last winter's heavy snow was hard on the backcountry -- it's a mess -- and trail crews have not been able to clear some trails because of the late melt.

The trail to Gallagher Head Lake is a good example.

This is not a book review, but if you were to purchase just one hiking guide, get "100 Classic Hikes in Washington" by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers, 256 pages, $19.95).

Many popular hikes are in this book, which is made even more alluring by color photos. It was Spring's photograph of Gallagher Head Lake that drew me east one recent weekend. I had hiked there before and also remembered a large meadow below the lake, which is a purple haze of shooting star flowers in early summer.

With the images of the meadow and lake dancing in my head, I began my hike to the lake on the Boulder-De Roux Trail. I didn't get far. The horse bridge over the North Fork Teanaway River is gone, lying uselessly on the riverbank.

Hikers must ford or look for logs on which to cross. I went upstream a couple hundred yards and crossed on logs whose branches provided handholds.

Once across the river, I expected easier going, but all too soon I saw the gleam of snow and encountered several blown down trees within the first mile. The stream crossing of De Roux Creek at three-quarters of a mile gave me a choice of logs to cross on, but the trail's most difficult section is between De Roux Creek and the meadow.

In addition to blowdowns, there was a messy stretch of solid snow through the forest. Pine needles have covered the snow, making it difficult to follow tracks. If you lose the tread, follow the creek uphill until you meet the trail.

The trail from the meadow to the lake is almost snow-free and the hiking is easy. The meadow lived up to my memories -- the shooting stars were blooming. There are also good views of Hawkins and Esmeralda peaks and, if you are backpacking, there are many good campsites in the meadow and at the lake.

Long, lazy switchbacks lead to the lake, which still had enough snow around it that motorized vehicles had not yet arrived. When the snow is gone, vehicles have access to the lake from a jeep road. Strong hikers wanting more mileage can make a 15-mile loop trip by hiking through Esmeralda Basin. Green Trails Map No. 29 shows the route.

Getting there
Head east on Interstate 90. Just past Cle Elum take the exit for state Route 970 and follow that for five miles. Turn left on Teanaway River Road, then follow signs for the North Fork Teanaway. At 22 miles from Highway 970, look for a short, brutal road descending to the left signed "Trail 1392," just past the Eldorado Creek horse packing camp. The road leads to the abandoned De Roux Campground and the trailhead at an elevation of 3,800 feet.

Trail detail
The trail begins on the north side of the campground. Hike about a quarter of a mile to the North Fork Teanaway. Ford the river or walk upstream a short distance to a log crossing. The trail stays level and at three-quarters of a mile crosses De Roux Creek -- no bridge. At 4,100 feet (approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead) the trail forks. Trail No. 1392A goes left to Koppen Mountain.

The De Roux Creek Trail continues beyond the junction and climbs about 800 feet in the next mile. As it ascends, the forest opens up and a waterfall can be seen in the gorge below. As of this writing, this section of trail is challenging with many blowdowns and stubborn snow patches. Cross the creek and enter the meadow at 5,000 feet (De Roux Peak is to the southwest). From the meadow, the trail climbs to Gallagher Head Lake in a series of long switchbacks.

This area is also popular with climbers. Experienced scramblers can approach Esmeralda Peak from the meadow (5,200 feet), climb the slope to the north, cross the boulder field and continue to the summit ridge.

The ridge has four summits -- the western being the highest (6,763 feet). De Roux Peak (6,260 feet) is accessed from the Koppen Ridge Trail and is little more than a hike. Hawkins Mountain (7,160 feet) is more challenging. The east peak of Hawkins is called the Thimble and ropes are required.

Trail data
Round trip to Gallagher Head Lake is eight miles, elevation gain 1,800 feet. The loop trip through Esmeralda Basin is 15 miles, elevation gain 3,000 feet. Call the Cle Elum Ranger District, 509-674-4411, for trail conditions.