Alpine Lakes Wilderness Teanaway Middle Fork Access Road

The Teanaway Middle Fork road punches deep into the eastern flank of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, following an old mining route that served the area’s silver and gold claims from the 1880s through the 1940s. The road starts as good gravel near Cle Elum but deteriorates rapidly after the De Roux Creek crossing, becoming a technical rock garden that demands careful line choice and steady throttle control. The route passes several abandoned mine sites including the remnants of the Jolly Mountain Mine before ending at a trailhead beneath towering peaks like Mount Stuart and Ingalls Peak, where mining equipment still rusts in the alpine meadows.

This is a difficult route requiring experienced drivers and vehicles with rock sliders, skid plates, and good ground clearance. Best attempted July through September when snow clears from the high country, though creek crossings can be challenging during spring runoff. No permits required for the road itself, but wilderness permits are needed for overnight backcountry camping. Dispersed camping is available at several spots along the lower sections of the road. The payoff is access to some of Washington’s most spectacular alpine country without the crowds of more popular trailheads, plus the historical intrigue of exploring century-old mining operations.