Summits: Galehead Mountain (4,024')
Trail route: Beaver Brook XC Ski Trail, Gale River Loop Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost
Trail conditions: A solid trail all the way to the summit
Weather: Frigid start with calm wind to cold bitter wind, overcast and occasional sun showing through
Total miles: 12
Total time: 6:10
On a day in February 2018 with less than optimal trail and weather conditions a group of us set out to hike the Twins and Galehead. It was a tough day of hiking and by the time we reached Galehead Hut only two in our group made the hike up to Galehead Mountain. That meant I had to return and get this summit done. So four years later I would be hiking Galehead Mountain today.
When I got out of bed this morning the first thing I did was check the outside temperature, it was -15°F! The weather forecast had the temps warming up over the course of the day so I set out for my hike. I arrived at the Beaver Brook parking area and the temperature was 0°F. There was no wind so it was quite tolerable. I started out with microspikes and they would stay on for the entire hike.
About two miles into the hike I heard a roaring noise in the distance. The noise continued to get closer and louder and I realized it was the wind. It packed a punch when it hit. I was somewhat concerned about the possibility of trees and limbs falling. As I got further up the trail the wind diminished. I arrived at Galehead Hut and the wind picked up again. There was no shelter from the wind so I continued up to the summit of Galehead Mountain.
It was a quick trip to the summit. Without a view and a cold wind blowing there was no reason to linger. I began my descent and stopped briefly at the outlook for a photo. The wind was bitter cold here and it took awhile for my fingers to warm up again. I got back to the hut and continued descending without stopping.
When I reached the Gale River Trail junction the wind was calm. I had brought the butt sled and decided to give it a try. I walked down over the steepest section of the trail as it would've been too fast. I got some good runs lower down. As the trail flattened I packed up the sled and kept hiking.
Back down on the lower part of the trail the wind was back with a vengeance. I saw tree debris and limbs on the trail that were not there earlier. I heard trees cracking and creaking and hoped nothing big would fall on me, it helped quicken my pace on the way out. I arrived at the Gale River Loop Road and had to avoid fast moving snowmobiles. I was glad to get back on the calm and quiet XC ski trail for the final section of the hike.
It was nice to get Galehead today. This was my 10th time to Galehead Mountain and summit 522 of 576 for the grid. The trail conditions were in great shape with a white sidewalk from start to finish. The weather was a little worse than I expected but still tolerable. There is warm temperatures and rain in the forecast over the next couple of days then back into the deep freeze this weekend. Trail conditions will change dramatically!
Enjoy the photos and videos!
Hike starts on the Beaver Brook XC ski trail
A groomed Gale River Loop Road
Gale River
Arriving at the trailhead
Solid snow bridge
Another solid snow bridge on a water crossing
Log bridge
Another log bridge
A smiling face on the trail
Easy under blowdown
At the trail junction
On the Garfield Ridge Trail
View from the trail
Turning onto the Frost Trail
Arriving at Galehead Hut
The wind was howling across the porch so no sitting around today
The destination is up ahead
Found the summit stick
There was a bitter cold wind blowing here at the outlook
Back at the hut
View from the hut
About to try out the butt sled
Tree debris on the trail from high winds
More tree debris on the trail
Forgot to make my shuttle bus reservation
Back at the Beaver Brook parking lot after 12 miles
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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