Fortune Creek Trail

A wonderful trail with lots of tricky areas where I needed to get out and plan my lines carefully. Not another soul on the trail and the first snow flurries of the season at the lake. Want to go back to camp in the summer.

Went up to Gallagher Lake using Fortune Creek, but used NF-160 on the way down. Rubicon, 35s, 2.5 lift. Don't think I was ever very close to dragging but I was careful with wheel placement. A Subaru is not likely going to be able to make it up there. I would not call that easy by a long shot. Views are great. Since I was alone, I did not try to continue up to the higher points past the lake.

The trail was very fun and somewhat challenging at times. I completed the trail solo on a weekend in my 2011 Land Cruiser. The car is currently on 33" BFG KO2's and a 2" lift, so nothing crazy. I accessed the second part of the trail and I would definitely label this area as medium to medium-hard when compared to the first part of the trail. I consider the trail split in two halves by FR160. There were quite a few rutted out areas and quite a few off camber spots in the second part of the trail. A decent uphill area with loose rocks came at the end. Due to the fact that the vehicle is on the wider side, I was unable to place my tires on certain obstacles as I wanted. However, overall the track was fun and I would definitely do it again. If you have a full size vehicle/truck take it nice and easy, pick your spots and you should be okay. If you have a long vehicle you will have scraping/ damage to your running boards. The lake was not really scenic as it was approximately 2-3 feet deep. The surrounding was more interesting.

Love this trail! Views are always incredible, trail is always changing a little so you never know what to expect exactly. Perfect trail to let my step-daughter get some seat time in.

Ran this trail on a Saturday and it was in great shape! There were a decent amount of other rigs and ORV along the way but wouldn't say that it was too crowded considering it was a weekend. The trail itself was great, it's quite rocky and has some larger boulders/rocks in certain areas but are fairly easy to navigate. I am running 33s and a 2.5 inch lift which was extremely helpful on this trail. A stock vehicle would likely have a harder time, but I think it is totally doable with the right tire placement/line (but would recommend having some skid plates). Overall would highly recommend this trail to anyone looking to do some more moderate wheeling!

This trail is a classic, its hard to beat for easy to moderate wheeling in a beautiful setting. The trail is in good condition with some lines getting harder while others have gotten more difficult over the years. There is a rock on the hill climb if you turn left at waypoint 7 that is becoming more exposed making that line harder. The same is true for the hole that has developed just after the left to the lake. Lower off road trims of Wrangler or Tacoma/4runners will need to be careful, as would full size rigs. With good technique this is a great trail for beginners running jeep or Toyotas with higher level off road trims.

From Portland, Or, but decided to make the drive to this lake based off some pics I had seen posted in FB about it. I looked it up on the Forest service web page, and it said it was an easy route, so decided it would be a good trip to take my offroad trailer on. I have to say, I think the estimates of difficulty and what this site suggest (Easy) are underrating it a bit. During the trip in we got behind 3 basically stock rigs that were having some pretty good struggles making it. There are enough big rocks and erosion that they were often lifting a wheel off the ground, causing all kinds of traction and ground clearance issues for the unlocked vehicles. I was able to make it fairly easily, but the articulation for even my loaded down vehicle with its lift, UCAs and other mods was enough to break a sway bar end link in the front. And, it was also enough to cause me to drag my rear bumper and exhaust pipe on a rock or two, along with catching my folded up tongue jack on a rock and bending its foot pad (all happened on the way down, dropping off the rocks). It was dry, so never got close to being stuck or anything, but it would have been much more sporting if it were wet. The biggest fear I had was if we were to run into someone coming the other way. It was so narrow and rough, it would have been extremely difficult if I would have had to back down any significant way. And, we were totally lucky in that respect, as on the way up we did only meet 1 vehicle heading back down that Friday afternoon, that was already pulled off waiting for the 3 previously mentioned stock vehicles and myself to go by. The rest of the weekend was literally non-stop vehicles coming and going too! We were one of about 10 different rigs that were staying up there, and there were dozens more throughout the weekend that came and went, along with horse riders, trail bike riders, and hikers. We definitely weren't lonely. Many of the 4WD visitors were very surprised that we had gotten the trailer in there, and gave many appreciative comments. They did suggest to avoid traffic, leave extremely early in the morning, or head out at the very end of the day, or we were likely to hit a wall of vehicles, which advice we did take. We left about 5am on Monday morning, and didn't run into anybody. We also found out from a local that the Western half of the trail can be bypassed by taking the well groomed forest road 4330-170 that runs parallel to the jeep trail just to the north of it. Maps show the road as closed, but the local assured me it wasn't, which was what we indeed found as the case. Though again we weren't having huge difficulty on the jeep trail, I just really wanted to make sure we didn't run into anyone coming up, so took the easy (wide) way in an abundance of caution. Overall it was a great trail, and a decent workout for my setup. I would say again though it is underrated for stock vehicles. Doable, but not "easy".

This trail is very easy in the beginning, challenging in the middle and becomes very steep with huge rocks 2 miles before the end. I have Rebel with 11" of clearance and I was scratching skid plates all the time. Couldn't make the last mile and decided to return after installing lift kit and 35" tires. Definitely not suitable for regular SUVs and stock trucks. Saw several Tacomas turning back because of rocks.

I took a group of subscribers up this trail in the hopes of reaching the lake. Unfortunately the snow pack this year was substantial and really socked in about 2/3 of the way up at about 5000 feet. Prior to that the trail is in really good condition. I would estimate the trail to be totally open around July 15th

I drove up to Gallagher Head Lake solo in early October 2020. Relatively easy trail with some mild off camber spots. Some rocky sections so be sure to air down appropriately. If you're moderately lifted with A/T tires this is a cake walk when dry but if it raining/muddy things get a bit more challenging (as with any trail). I did end up smashing my exhaust tip while being careless on the way down but it could have been avoided. Once at the lake be sure to hit the trail that overlooks it which offers a couple fun hill climbs.

My buddy just purchased a new 4Runner so we decided to take our rigs up to fortune creek for a bit more of a challenge. The trail was certainly more difficult than the original review but we both had little to no problems getting up and down. On the way up there was a stock jeep Cherokee in front of us who chickened out and had to make a turn around but we saw a stock Tacoma at the lake. It was raining and slippery and was even snowing a tiny bit at lake Gallagher. All in all we would definitely do this ride again, it was a blast!

I agree that the level of difficulty is not as described. I would say it's more on the moderate to low difficult side of things the way it was yesterday. I'm sure it was difficult for stock 4x4s. I got behind a jeep and had to help him turn around. but a stockish Xterra did make it up there but I'm sure it wasnt easy for him. It was raining so a bit slippery. There were alot of areas that I'm sure non lifted trucks would probably scrape the front/rear and underside. I have a twin stick and normally cruise around in Low 2wd but with all the off camber and "one sided bumps" I kept it in 4wd for most of it past the creek crossing. Lifted a tire a couple times front and back so it was a good time. I really enjoyed that it was more on the moderate/difficult side but worry about people thinking it should be ok with their stock trucks and highway tires for how it was. I will deffinately go again soon. and would love to go in the snow. It was alot of fun, a great day drive!

I absolutely loved this trail. Good amount of technical driving, while not being so rough that your worried about doing trail damage. Not to mention the beautiful mountain views and nice wondering trail through the trees. That being said, I do think this trail has gotten rougher since this report was made. There were quite a few sections that had very large dips in the road, often offset so that they really forced your suspension to flex. This got especially challenging combined with some of the steep sections. Lots of fun in a vehicle with decent articulation and not a huge wheel base. I did see a full size rig up at the lake, but I'd be hard pressed to recommend it for larger rigs unless your really looking for a challenge. Probably the most important point is take your time. Took me about 2 hours, one way to make it up to the lake going at a slow but consistent pass. If you want to save some time, you can skip the bottom half and drive up/down Fortune Creek Rd, which connects up with Cle Elum Valley Rd.

I went up in a stock 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road 4 door, long bed without too many issues. There were a couple spots where my longer wheelbase hindered me a little, but I still made it to Gallagher Lake without any damage beyond scratches in the paint. I only used my rear locker once and that probably was unnecessary. Take your time and be patient and even stock vehicles can make it. We camped at Gallagher Lake for the night and we were the only group up there. It was extremely quiet and relaxing. I highly recommend this trail to anyone.

WARNING: Pictures are of the optional detour up FS 4330 170! Attempted in a stock 2020 4Runner. Still getting into offroading. Made it about 0.5 mile past the intersection between 4W301 and NF 4330, around the rocky creek crossing, before turning back because it was getting late. There were several very tricky obstacles on the way that were quite close to the limit on my limited clearance (only 8.6 inches due to KDSS... sad!). No vehicle damage, but I feel a bit lucky on that count. Looking at older videos of the trail, it seems like the trail has gotten a bit more rugged. The nearby FS 4330 170 offered some of the views I was hoping for on this trail... my consolation prize.

Awesome trail! Definitely more challenging than your average Forest rd. We made it short of way point 7 due to tight spot from downed tree. Tree was cut although sticking a foot into trail. (Full size truck) I could have prob managed to squeeze by, but we decided not to take that risk. Very difficult to turn around, only a few scrapes! Returned to way point 3 where we camped for 2 nights. Did not see any other vehicles or people while there although did see a deer come by camp in the evenings. Awesome place for those who want a step up from your basic bumpy dirt road.

I ran part of this trail on Friday up to Van Epps Pass and the trail was in good condition. I spoke with some people that had spent the night at Gallagher Lake and they said the only snow present was in the shady areas facing north where the sun can't get too.

Please be vigilant about verifying this trail is open. It is generally closed through June 15. This is trail is a treasure in my opinion, so please do not leave the trail, and certainly do not try to run the road when it is closed. This year it opened on June 16th, 2020.

Tried this trail yesterday and probably about mile 5 we could not pass due to snow. Cant wait to try this one in a few weeks when the road clears up!

Very little snow at the lake, almost none on the trail.

I just saw on a facebook group some jeeps that hit some snow on this trail. It looks like about 3-4 inches so the snow has come early this year. Please take special care if attempting this trail in these conditions and please DO NOT go alone.

Had a great time. Towed my off road trailer up the jeep trail with little trouble and had a blast. Some larger rocky areas were more difficult with the trailer in tow but not to crazy in 4low with good clearance. Bring bug spray and thermacell as the mosquitoes were bad at the lake. Awesome spot to camp!

Made it about 90% up the trail, but had to turn back due to impassable snow.

Went up Sunday and at about 3500 feet the rain turned to snow. It was snowing heavily enough that during the 30ish minutes we spent at the lake our tracks were completely covered. We only saw two other rigs at the riverbed and 4 motorcycles coming down as we were going up. Probably about 3-4 inches at the lake when we left.

We went up there after work on Friday afternoon. We started at the trailhead at about 6 pm. We had a stock YJ on 29 inch all-terrains and a stock ZJ on 28 inch highway all-season tires. The trail is in very good condition and well marked. We had GPS but landmarks were easy to follow. The "challenging hill" was really fun and doable in a stock Jeep as long as you pick a good line. The ZJ did suffer a sidewall blowout shortly after waypoint #9 (creek crossing). We did not have a high-lift jack so it was challenging to try to replace the tire but some kind strangers in an XJ helped us out with their jack and got us back on the trail. (Thank you so so much!) With this setback we made it to the lake shortly after nightfall and set up camp. It was a bit chilly with the wind but really not bad at all. Mosquitos weren't too bad either. In the morning we took the YJ further up to the top of the trail at Hawkins Mountain. That section wasn't too bad either but we had to winch up the final incline because it was very steep and loose. There is a bypass for this section though. The views from up there are beautiful. Pristine meadow and Mt. Rainier in the background. On the way down we passed a few groups of 4x4s and dirtbikes. It was easy going but I got a second blowout in the ZJ and the trans crossmember got bent up pretty bad from coming down on a rock too hard. Overall it was a super fun trail with great views. It's a perfect challenge for stock vehicles if you don't care about taking some minor damage. The stars were incredible at night. I stayed up until about 2 am just stargazing.

Ran the trail again after getting stopped by snow a few weeks ago. Trail is clear and easy going. Stopped at Gallagher Head Lake and then headed up to Hawkins Meadows.

First time hitting this trail and it was awesome! Trail was clear and in perfect condition. Camped at the lake then headed up to Hawkins Meadows the next morning.

We ran the trail on Sunday and got stopped just before the top by snow.We crossed Fortune creek and then took the left at the "t" in the road. The option to the right was not even close to passable as it was covered in snow. We got up until the trails converge together and then hit snow about 100' past that. It looked like a couple people tried to pass it but no one has yet. We had well equipped riggs but it wasn't going to happen sso we headed to Van Epps instead.

My "Lovely Bride" and I, with a stray child of ours, decided to try a this popular trail over a Forth Of July weekend. Fearing the worst with crowds, it was fantastic. Only three vehicles coming down on our way up, neither had gone to the lake because they turned around prior. So we continued on and the snow is all melted and it's wide-open to the lake, and even passed it. The trail was cleared of any blow over by a local group from the looks of it....Many thanks to them.

This was my first trip this year to this area. I love the trails in this area. We were hoping to get to the top of Fortune Creek to Gallagher Head Lake, but unmelted snow prevented us from progressing. We made it about two-thirds of the trail from when 4WD301 starts. Nonetheless, we had a lot of fun getting up there. For current trail conditions check http://www.cleelumtrails.com/#!current-information/i68n4