Virtually too Many Trees!
Imagine a time, almost one hundred years ago, when instead of making Microsoft windows, a sawmill produced lumber at this site. Trees in Redmond were so big that it was hard to figure out how to take them down, and then to find a mill that could process them.
The History of Stephens Mill
Delbert and Mary Jane Stephens moved to the Redmond area in 1929. They bought a 14-acre parcel of land at this site, and built a steam-powered sawmill. It was the only mill in this area that could handle large timber, with circular saws (up to 48" diameter and 30' long). To facilitate mill operation, Delbert excavated the mill pond that is found here. The Stephens also operated a small chicken farm on the property. Delbert salvaged wood from the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, and built the chicken houses with the recycled, milled wood.
The Stephens converted the steam powered mill to diesel in 1945. In 1968, Delbert Stephens invited his long-time neighbor and friend, Herman Rekow to become his partner in the mill operation. Together, they operated the mill commercially until 1974.
Delbert sold the southern portion of his property which included the Mill Pond and the area where the sawmill was located. He and Herman relocated the sawmill to the Stephens remaining property to the north. Herman received one-half of the mill ownership and together they continued custom milling work on a part-time basis.
All that remains of the Stephens Mill today, is the Mill Pond and a few old relics from the mill's operation.
Stephens Mill Pond, 1982
Country Creek Headwaters
The old mill pond now is the centerpiece of the wetland complex that forms the headwaters to Country Creek. Much of the water in the pond comes from the roofs of the high tech buildings to the north. This kind of habitat is critical to the health of Country Creek and helps provide nutrients that feed the bugs and fish that live there and contribute to health in the Sammamish River.
Country Creek, 2017
Finder's Reward
When visiting the site, you will find yourself at the beginning of a lovely trail through the forest. Take advantage of the time away from the city. Imagine that the sound of cars that you hear is really a rushing stream, and wander up the trail to explore and learn more about these ponds. As an added bonus, make some observations of the wetlands to get the EarthCache that is now here. Finally, don't miss the Microsoft Tree Houses -- they are quite remarkable.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.