Outdoor Diversion: Galehead via the Twins

Summits: North Twin Mountain (4,761'), South Twin Mountain (4,902'), Galehead Mountain (4,024')
Trail route: North Twin Trail, Twinway, Garfield Ridge Trail, Gale River Trail
Trail conditions: Wet and wetter with muddy sections
Weather: Cloudy start ascending into and between an undercast and overcast then clear and sunny
Total miles: 12
Total time: 8:15

There was a beautiful Fall day in the forecast but the weather was going to take its time getting there. I would be joining Jill, Scott and Lisa for a hike to North and South Twins then over to Galehead Mountain.

It was cool and damp with a light mist falling to start the hike. We bypassed the first two water crossings and followed the herd path to the third crossing. It was not difficult crossing the Little River but it did require stepping on one slightly submerged rock. We all made it across without a mishap.

The trail was very wet with occasional muddy sections. The sky was cloudy and showed no signs of clearing. When we reached the outlook on North Twin Mountain there were no views to be seen. We kept going to South Twin. It was along this stretch that the sky was starting to brighten up. We reached the first outlook and could see an undercast and an overcast with the sun starting to break through.

We arrived at the summit of South Twin to some spectacular views. The thin cloud cover was clearing and the sun had a distinct halo around it. There was a cool wind blowing and we found a sheltered spot to eat lunch. After numerous photos and lunch we started our descent to Galehead Hut.

It was a steep drop down the trail to the hut with lots of wet, slippery rocks and ledges. We carefully watched our footing and made it down with no slips or falls. To our surprise the hut was still open and serving hikers. We dropped our packs and hiked to the viewless summit of Galehead Mountain. It was a quick up and down.

Back at the hut we picked up our packs and it would be all downhill from here. The hike out to the trailhead on the Gale River Trail always seems much longer than 4 miles. The trail continued to be wet and slippery so careful footing was still required. The sky was completely clear and there was full sunshine on the hike out.

After 12 miles of hiking we emerged at the Gale River trailhead. What started as a cool, cloudy, gloomy, misty day turned into a spectacular day of hiking with a bonus phenomenon of passing between an undercast and overcast. Another bonus was the peak foliage and I have a feeling this would be the last weekend to enjoy the Fall colors.

Enjoy the photos and video!