Tour Announcement: Gallagher Head Lake 4x4 Run (09-13)

[Jerry]

BACKROAD DRIVERS NORTHWEST




Gallaher Head Lake 4x4 Run
September 13, 2008

Join us for a day of easy four-wheelin’ north of Cle Elum, Washington. We plan on exploring the Fortune Creek Mining Area near Salmon la Sac and that includes three “easy” 4x4 trails and possibly a fourth rated as “more difficult”.

First will be the Fortune Creek Trail, 4W301 (rated easy). This trail offers beautiful scenery and along the route we may spot remnants of rusting mining machinery. The highlight of the Fortune Creek Trail is Gallaher Head Lake where there is a small primitive campground that would be a great place to camp if you so desire.

Off the Fortune Creek Trail is the Van Epps Pass Trail, 4W302 (rated easy), an old mining road that should be in fairly good condition. We will see more remnants of old mining operations as the trail climbs to 5800 feet. On our way down we'll turn onto the Van Epps Loop Trail, 4W303 (rated easy), a short bypass off the main trail. Be prepared for more spectacular scenery.

The Hawkins Mountain Mine Trail (easy to more-difficult) is a spur off the Fortune Creek Trail. It continues past Gallaher Head Lake and climbs up Hawkins Mountain. There are a few obstacles and hill climbs that when wet could change the rating from “easy” to “more difficult”, although we expect good weather in September. The view from this trail is breathtaking!

We suggest a minimum of 31” traction tread tires for SUV’s unless you are an experienced off-road driver and know the capabilities of your vehicle. Stock Wranglers, CJ’s and other short wheelbase 4x4's should work just fine. The last thing we want to see is damage to your rig.

Meet us at the Old Number 3 Restaurant in Ronald, Washington. Come earlier for breakfast or coffee and plan to depart at 9:00 AM. The restaurant is located on Hwy 903 in the heart of beautiful downtown Ronald. It’s a neat little community, but don’t blink as you drive through.

Bring a tailgate lunch and plenty of drinking water. I'll be driving a red, modified Ford Bronco II with Backroad Drivers Northwest window stickers and will monitor C.B. channel 22 and VHF 146.580.

See you in beautiful downtown Ronald!
Jerry

[T.Low]

Just camped at Gallaher Head Lake last weekend. Great little spot. We had chilly breezes and cold nights, some were wearing down jackets. The trail was a great drive. I recommend it. Drove up it late Friday nite in the dark, and returned back down Sunday with a little traffic coming up, but no problems.
Aired down the tires a little and low range the whole trail, fun and interesting and no problems other than one munched track bar (steering) on a Land Rover. Also had a full size 4x4 van (Sportsmobile) in our group, no damage.
Jen was away on business, so we may join you on this trip, as I know she would really enjoy the 4x4 route as well as the scenery. We have a packed schedule, maybe we'll see you there. We'll let you know.

If all goes as planned, I should have my pop top installed as soon as we return from Barlow Rd. (still waiting on hinges from Germany). Will probably want to camp.

[Jerry]

IMPORTED FROM A PREVIOUS POST:
Just outside the town of Roslyn and up near the Salmon La Sac campground. I've camped here, but never really explored any of the trails, but I hear there's some nice easy wheeling to be done. I'm going to head up Friday night, however it wouldn't be a hard place to meet up on Saturday if you're looking to just do an overnighter.
AWDios

Hey, AWDios, we've had the Gallaher Head Lake Run (Fortune Creek) scheduled for Sept. 13th and it's been on the BDNW calendar for months. Ours is scheduled as a day trip, but folks can come early, camp out and leave late if they wish. Why don't you join us?

[AWDios]

Well if I had seen this, I would, but unfortuneatly as I've invited two other off-road groups and some friends, we've alreayd got the other date locked in, and now I've scheduled the 13th to pull the motor out of my Celica.

Next time I guess

[Jerry]

The 2008 Events Calendar is posted at the Backroad Drivers Northwest page
BackroadDrivers : CELEBRATING OUR TENTH YEAR!

Since tours are arranged and led by volunteers, and infrequently certain important personal duties conflict with their plans forcing cancellation (or one event may replace another), we usually don't announce tours on either the BDNW list or the PNW Adventures forum until a month prior to the scheduled event. The calendar is usually right-on, but it is always subject to change until an event is formally announced. Once a tour has been announced it is seldom cancelled thanks to the moderators and other members who make sure it takes place even when the original host backs out.

[LoudMusic]

This looks like a great adventure. I'll see if I can get my wife interested.

Google has it listed as "Gallaher", with no second "g". Is this the same place? Map Link (switch to Terrain view if necessary)
And, I see Roslyn is right next door - any Northern Exposure fans in the group?

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

This looks like a great adventure. I'll see if I can get my wife interested.

Google has it listed as "Gallaher", with no second "g". Is this the same place? Map Link (switch to Terrain view if necessary)
And, I see Roslyn is right next door - any Northern Exposure fans in the group?

Good point! GALLAHER (without the "G") is the correct spelling. It was known for many years with the "g", but the pronunciation was incorrect. The name was recently changed to reflect proper spelling and pronunciation of the family namesake. I will edit my previous posts.

[madjp62]

Hi Jerry, Mark here, do you happen to know where there is a hotel close to the finishing point? We are looking forward to the run.Mark and Sandra

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by madjp62

Hi Jerry, Mark here, do you happen to know where there is a hotel close to the finishing point? We are looking forward to the run.Mark and Sandra

Check the following link to the Cle Elum-Roslyn Chamber of Commerce:
Motels - A-Z Category: Cle Elum-Roslyn Chamber of Commerce

[madjp62]

Thank you will check it out. See you soon.