Fortune Creek Trail

5/5 (29 reviews)
Roslyn, Washington (Kittitas County)
Last Updated: 06/14/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Fortune Creek trail is located just North of Roslyn, Washington (home of the hit TV show "Northern Exposure"). It is only accessible for four-wheel drive vehicles from the middle of June till November. With the trail connecting to several other great trails in the area, it makes for an excellent day trip. It is a very easy nontechnical trail that can be enjoyed by any four wheel drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance. This trail follows an old mining road that was cut back at the turn on the century in search of gold. If you look carefully you will still see Federal mine claim signs just off the trail and old rusted mining equipment. At the end of the six mile trail, you will be surprised to find beautiful Lake Gallagher. This trail is filled with beautiful vistas, large mountains, and many areas to camp and explore.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (30)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/13/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

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.
Open
Visited: 09/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

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.
400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/28/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

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.
2600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/21/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

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.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/13/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

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!

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