Fortune Creek Jeep Trail is a classic Pacific Northwest 4×4 route located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Roslyn and Ronald, Washington. Officially designated as Forest Service Trail #4W301, this trail follows an old early-1900s mining road that was originally built to access gold claims in the area.
The trail starts off Forest Road 4330 in the upper Cle Elum Valley and climbs steadily through forest and open terrain with occasional rocky sections and minor obstacles. While some sources describe it as “easy/non-technical” for stock 4WD vehicles with decent ground clearance, others note it has enough rocks and elevation gain to make it a fun moderate challenge — especially when wet or for drivers new to the trail.
Highlights include:
- Historic mining history with visible old claim markers and remnants
- Beautiful mountain scenery and forest driving
- Creek crossings and alpine views
- Ends at Gallagher Head Lake, a scenic alpine lake perfect for photos, dispersed camping, and further hiking
- Connects to side trails such as Van Epps Trail (#4W302) leading to a historic mine
Vehicle & Difficulty Notes This trail is popular with Jeep owners and suitable for most stock to mildly modified 4x4s (Jeeps, Tacomas, Broncos, etc.) with good tires and attentive driving. High-clearance is recommended. It is not an extreme rock-crawling trail, but the combination of rocks, grade, and elevation makes it more engaging than a simple forest road. Rated roughly medium difficulty for 4×4 use.
Season & Access Typically open from mid-June through October or early November, depending on snow levels. Always check current conditions with the Cle Elum Ranger District before heading out.
Official Information
- U.S. Forest Service page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=57513
Trail Stats (approximate)
- Length: ~5.5–6+ miles one way to Gallagher Head Lake
- Elevation gain: ~2,300–2,400 ft
- Highest point: ~5,623 ft
Helpful Resources
- onX Offroad maps (highly recommended for this area)
- Gaia GPS and AllTrails also have good user tracks for this route
Tip: Combine this with nearby trails in the Teanaway/Cle Elum area for a full day or weekend of exploring. The lake at the top makes a fantastic lunch or camping spot.
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