Galehead in November Snow

Summit: Galehead Mountain (4,024')
Trail route: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail
Trail conditions: Snow with wet, muddy sections and some ice
Weather: Cold and cool, comfortable temps, clouds and partial sun
Total miles: 10.2
Total time:  6:25

After cold temps and frigid windchills on Saturday the forecast for Sunday was a bit warmer. There were a couple of hikes that needed to be done before the roads closed and with a snowstorm in the forecast for Monday into Tuesday the roads could be closing in a couple of days. Galehead Mountain was the choice as this would require a road walk after the road closed. I would be joining Jill and Larry for this hike.

When I turned onto Gale River Loop Road it was apparent that this road would be closing soon. Recent snow had been packed down to smooth ice by vehicle traffic. I took my time driving in as this was not the place to slide off the road. I pulled into the trailhead parking lot and there was one other car there. Larry and Jill arrived soon after. We layered up and were on our way.

At the first water crossing we walked on slightly submerged rocks as we were relatively certain they were not ice covered. We were right and there were no slips or falls. Just before the next water crossing we put on our microspikes as there was nothing but ice covered rocks to step on. Once again there were no mishaps.

We continued up to Galehead Hut where we stashed our packs before slackpacking to the summit. After a brief stop at the outlook for photos we moved up to the top of Galehead Mountain. This is a very uninteresting summit with no views. A quick group shot at the summit cairn and we started our descent.

We arrived back at the hut and ate our lunch in a spot that was out of the cold wind. We then continued our descent back to the trailhead. It was a pleasant hike back down. I took my microspikes off where I had put them on as they were not really needed after this point. The temperature had warmed up and there were no icy rocks on the final water crossing of the day. From here it was a short walk back to the trailhead.

It was all about the hike today as there are very limited views along the way and no views at the summit. That being said it was a very enjoyable hike with wintry conditions and great company. With more snow on the way it appears that winter conditions are here to stay!

Enjoy the photos!

 Sun rising at the trailhead parking lot

 The hike starts here

 Jill has no problem on this icy water crossing

 Larry crossed without a problem

 Snowy brook

 A view from the trail

 Sunshine on a snowy trail

 At the Garfield Ridge Trail junction

 Snow hangs heavy on tree limbs

Frost Trail junction 

Twinway trail junction

 Arriving at the Galehead Hut

 Galehead Hut closed until next Spring

 South Twin Mountain

 View from Galehead Hut

 Galehead Hut from the outlook

 South Twin from the Galehead outlook

 Zooming in to the South Twin summit

 On the summit of Galehead Mountain

 Saw this banana peel tree at the summit

Larry pointing out something to Jill

 Somebody's front door

 Snow-capped mushroom

 Another safe water crossing on icy rocks during the return trip

Back at the trailhead



Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!