Fortson Mill Ponds
- Distance:0.5-1.0 miles
- Elevation gain: none
- Season: Year round
Fortson Mill Ponds is an easy trail that has old mill
structures, building skeletons, the site of a local railroad
station, fish ladder and other miscellaneous mill stuff, and most
interestingly, two mill ponds-now fish and wildlife ponds-all put
to use by a once flourishing sawmill.
To find it, drive SR 530 about six miles west of Darrington and
turn north on Fortson Mill Road. Follow until road ends at the
trail head. At the trail head to the left is the North Fork of the
Stilly Trail. To the right Forston Mill Ponds. Follow the trail
over the railroad tie bridge, past the fish ladder and follow it
counter clockwise around the first pond which is now a juvenile
only fishing area. 
A small wooden footbridge crosses the pond’s inlet stream. The
other larger pond to the east offers better wildlife viewing but
approach cautiously as not to scare off the ducks. The North Fork
of the Stillaguamish is close by and several narrow paths provide
access for fishers. A great blue Heron may squawk at you from
overhead, and a killdeer might call to lure you away from its nest.
A short distance to the east is a good view of Whitehorse Mountain
from the old railroad grade.
BTW area is used by paintball enthusiasts from time to time you
shouldn't have to worry about them but it is good to know the what
those odd noises are.
Congrats Geohecksters on being First to
Find!!