De Roux Trail Report

August 7, 2010

Location: Boulder – De Roux Trail 1392, 4W301, Lake Fish Road, Road 138

Snoqualmie Pass — Salmon La Sac/Teanaway; Cle Elum Ranger District

Guide Books and Maps:

Green Trails map Kachess Lake #208 & #209

NW Trail Pass Required

Trail Conditions: De Roux is NW of Jolly Mtn Trail which is another popular ride in this area. Boulder – De Roux from the campground to Gallagher Lake is in good condition. The lower section sees high use and some water damage from spring run-off. Higher up the trail is in great condition. Hikers take note there are not many camp spots until you reach the high meadow below the switch backs leading up to the lake. You enjoys views of De Roux Creek as well as the surrounding peaks. The high meadow is extremely beautiful and well worth the climb. Bikers note you will have to push your bike for a small portion of the switch backs leading up to the meadow.

Boulder Creek Climb

4W301 is a very rough 4×4 road which at times is more like a riverbed as it’s completely covered with rocks. It’s completely ridable and one can get some serious speed going down to Lake Fish Road.

Starting on Boulder – De Roux Trail from Road 138 you have a long 3.5 miles until you reach the end of 4W301 above Gallagher Lake. About half a mile into the trail the tread has washed away. US Forest workers were repairing it as we came through. It should be passable now. The climb itself is brutal at times and just when you think you’ve had enough its over. Be prepared for a long push if your on a bike.

Hikers and bikers will be rewarded with a barren but beautiful landscape on the way up. You even pass a old cabin that is more a pile of half decayed logs than cabin. Like the other end of Trail 1392 you’ll pass through small meadows with alpine flowers and incredible views.

Hikers will enjoy climbing up to Gallagher Lake from either end of Trail 1392. Both are tough climbs but there also both rewarding to those who push to the top. Bugs were not an issue but it was cooler with overcast skies.

This ride is the most visually stunning rides I’ve done ever. Checkout my Ride Recap for video and pics.

[custom_field field=”De Roux” this_post=”1″ limit=”1″ between=”, ” /]

Click on “View Details” on the above map for ride stats.

Scatman

Get out there!