DeRoux Peak, Koppen Mountain & De Roux Creek to Gallagher Head Lake — Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025

I was hoping to see some fall colors so drove across the pass to visit the Teanaway area. I wasn't sure what the road situation would be after the fire and had a backup hike planned further south in case it wasn't possible to drive along North Fork Teanaway Road.

The road to the trailhead was clear and easy to drive on this Sunday. Saw some hunters out in their trucks going up and down the road, make sure to wear bright gear. 

Could visibly see the damage from the recent Labor Mountain fire to the east side of the road. I was impressed with all the work the fire fighters did to cut down the burned trees, clear areas and help keep the road as the line that the fire didn't cross. Close to the road there were fewer burned trees than I expected. Time will tell though to really see how the trees react to the hot ground and overall impact from the fire. There weren't a lot of trees in the stretch visible from the road that were burned all the way to the top.  There were even some sections that are within the fire boundary that didn't appear to have any damage. 

Started our hike at the De Roux trailhead heading along De Roux Creek. The parking lot was snow free. Once we got to the bridge there were visible patches of snow on the ground. Followed the trail up to the spur turnoff for Koppen Mountain and De Roux Peak. 

Turned left on the De Roux Supr Trail and headed up the switchbacks. The snow became consistent at 4,690 where there was also a visible snow line on the tall green trees. Prior to this the snow was intermittent and not fully covering the trail. We continued up the switchbacks and the snow was just a few inches deep. 

Upon reaching the De Roux/Koppen col the views were beautiful and the peaks to the west were all snow covered too. The snow as a little deeper at the col. We turned and headed south up the Koppen Mountain Trail. We continued along the summer trail, fully covered in snow to the plateau at 5,288 feet that offers great views of Mount Stuart, Sherpa Peak to the NW. With Teanaway Peak and Iron Peak to the east. 

Snapped a few photos on the DLSR and phone camera, had a quick snack and then headed out as it was getting cold along the ridge. Even with layers and gloves. The deepest portions of snow along the trail along the ridge was mid-calf. 

On the way down, the moon started rising over Iron Peak, it's getting pretty big. We should see a full moon soon!  

At the car I thought about if I should wear my hiking shoe or boots. I was glad to have selected the boots. As the snow started pretty quickly. Boots kept my feet dry & warm. 

Didn't see any other hikers out today. Saw a few campers at the campground.