Gallagher Head Lake, WA Adventure – Sept 15-16, 2012

[compactcamping]

Headed to the Cle Elum area of Washington over the weekend. Went on a trail run / photo shoot to Gallagher Head Lake for promoting responsible backcountry exploring / off-roading by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce with photographer Richard Villacres.

We followed the Fortune Creek trail up to the lake. This is a trail with wonderful scenery which requires 4WD but overall is not technically difficult. The first half has a few rough spot as it gentle climbs. The trail is wide and fairly open with great views in front and behind you. The second half is where the fun starts. The trail closes in, gets rocky in sections and steeper. Although not difficult, you do have to pay attention to your line and avoid rocks in a number of spots.

This is the roughest run I’ve taken a Dinoot trailer on. The Dinoot did great, although my SideKick as a tow rig was about at its limit with open diffs. At couple of steep, loose, rocky sections took some hairy backing up and a few attempts to find a good line.

Gallagher Head Lake is a beautiful setting surrounded by tall peaks to the west and east. It was a great weekend, with perfect weather and the breeze blowing the correct direct to keep smoke from the Table Mountain fire away for the most part.

The site nwjeepn.com has detailed directions info for Fortune Creek and other trails in the area.

 

[Nomadllc]

Nice area, it kinda looks like the places we camp around here.

 

[compactcamping]

Nomad, Yes it does remind me of the San Juans outside of Ouray.

 

[19psi]

would a full size fit through there?

 

[compactcamping]

A full size Bronco was on this trip and did have a minor rocker panel mishap. I believe your Chevy CCLB would have wide issues and challenges with many ditch crossings.

 

[19psi]

A full size Bronco was on this trip and did have a minor rocker panel mishap. I believe your Chevy CCLB would have wide issues and challenges with many ditch crossings.

That's what I needed to know. Thanks!

 

[yj4trails]

Beautiful spot. Will def have to make a trip out there when my trailer is finished.

 

[photoman]

Looks like a great trip. Love the fact that you have a Suzuki and a different trailer. Always like seeing different vehicles in trip reports.

 

[compactcamping]

Yes very scenic area. Thanks Photoman, yes I'm a bit different, you don't see many Suzuki's in the backcountry with a trailer, but it works for me.

 

[rangerdogg]

Hi Scott, Its nice to see that you built your company and you still get out to enjoy the back country. I cant wait to build my trailer next year and put my rtt on it. It will be combo camping and utility trailer for my carpentry business and to also do flea marketing with the wife. I will be ordering stuff from your store. You have a great company and great way to help people to build their own to get out there or order from you. Nice to see your on here also.

Happy camping Scott

 

[compactcamping]

Rangerdogg, Thanks! Look forward to helping set you up for Trailer Supported Adventuring. Yes, all work and no play doesn't make sense, although the more you can blend work and play the better ) Here is another shoot from the weekend.

 

[Cruisn]

Cool little rig setup.
I am sorta tossing the idea around to mount my rtt on a trailer for my pajero.

about howmuch does that little trailer weigh?

 

[Pappibri]

Nice setup and some sweet pictures..

 

[compactcamping]

Thanks, trailer supported adventuring is a great way to go. Dry weight is about 480 pounds.

 

[Arndog123]

Looks like a fun trip.