Gallagher Head Lake via De Roux Trail – Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Gallagher Head Lake via De Roux Trail – Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

Oct 10, 2025

Submitted by Erin Francis Hurley. Follow her trail adventures @paintedponaynay on Instagram.

Another stunning ride in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness located in Washington, approximately 3.5 hours from Seattle. Make a long day of it with day use parking – or come camp at De Roux Horse Camp and explore other trails as well.

Trail Stats:

9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,998 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,313 feet
Max Elevation: 5,620 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Rocky
Hoof Protection: Shoes or boots needed.

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Facilities: De Roux Horse Camp has 5 sites for equestrians. Highline or bring your own corrals. Pit toilet. The two sites at the end of the loop can accomodate larger trailers. Not much shade in camp area. The Ellensburg BCHW chapter plans to update the trailhead in 2026.

Water Sources: Stock water from North Fork Teanaway River in De Roux Horse Camp.

Trail Info: Ride directly out of the De Roux Trailhead located in camp. Follow this trail for 4.2 miles until you reach Gallagher Head Lake. Car parking located at kiosk.

This trail starts out gradual and then begins a steady set of switchbacks up. There is one section that is very rocky, meaning more exposed large rocks. Harder to climb those sections if you have a metal shod horse, but nothing crazy!

There is also another section at the top of the initial switchbacks which is extremely narrow, with a rock face on the uphill side, large drop to a creek on the downhill side, and a blind turn. Proceed with caution. We had motorcycles ride up behind us and if we had come head to head on that section, I’m not sure what we would have done.

After the exposed section, it levels out for a bit with creek access and some meadows. Then some more ledgy sections of switchbacks up to the lake. Beautiful views in this section. Then the trail at the lake points right and you end up at some off road campsites. There is lake access on the closest side. I recommend riding on a weekday to avoid the motorcycle traffic. It was tough on a weekend.

Trail Challenges: Motorcycles on road and De Roux trail returning from Gallagher Lake. Water crossings. Bridges. Section of large rocks. Narrow ledgy switchback section.

Permits: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass for vehicle. Camp fee is $10/night.

Backcountry Sites: Possible to camp at the lake but you will share it with off road rigs. Plenty of grazing.

Cell Service: None.

Fuel: Cle Elum / Roslyn

GPX File: WHT: Gallagher Head Lake via De Roux Trail

Directions: From Cle Elum travel east and north on Highway 970 for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Teanaway Road and follow for 13 miles to the end of pavement. Veer right on Forest Road 9737 and follow for about 8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Map: