In which we explore the Whitehorse Trail : from Fortson Mill to Steelhead Drive

At the (virtual) Executive Horse Council meeting this week, 
Monica and I volunteered to help with a "soft launch" opening of the Whitehorse Trail 
for the equestrian community.

The new EHC logo


We don't have a date set yet--probably later this month--but it's time to start preparing.  First on my list: go check out some more parts of the trail.



Today, I rode from Fortson Mill to Steelhead Drive and back--about 10 miles round-trip.

Trail is located between the river and Highway 530.


Directions to the trailhead:
From I-5 exit 208, head east on State Route 530 (Arlington/Darrington Hwy) 25.2 miles.  
Just past mile marker 42 is the left turn onto Fortson Mill Road.  
Take that left, follow the road .2 miles to a vast parking lot.

Plenty of room to turn and park.


Say hello to other trail users, if there are any.

Dogs must be on leashes.  This Rough Collie pup is about 5 months old.



From the parking lot, take the trail to the right to see the old mill.


This building would be AWESOME to explore if I were 11 years old and not on horseback.



The mill and the mill pond are visible from the trail.  Go out to the main trail and turn East to view the old buildings and the pond (easier to see in winter when the trees are bare).



Photo of the old town of Fortson, the mill and mill pond, and the tracks for the
Whitehorse Railroad (which is now the Whitehorse Trail). The building in my photo is
on the centerline, above the mill pond. Photo credit: Darrington Historical Society




The mill pond




Heading West on the Whitehorse Trail out of Fortson




The trail footing is 5/8 gravel for most of the route, with very little elevation change.





Wildflowers beside the trail.  I saw foxglove, wild iris, lupines, salmonberry, thimbleberry, and more.




The trail frequently parallels the Stillaguamish River.
Watch for eagles (especially during salmon spawning season) and other water birds.




The trail includes bridges over the Stillaguamish River and tributaries.




Many private homes and farms line the route.  The neighbors I met were all friendly,
and most dogs were contained.




Private property is clearly marked and usually fenced.





The trail parallels Highway 530, usually with a generous greenbelt between them.
When the road is near, sturdy jersey barriers provide safety separation.



The trail passes through the Oso Landslide Memorial at Steelhead Drive. 



This trailside sign provides details about the devastating event.





The trail is paved for one mile through Steelhead Drive.  We saw a bald eagle
in that very tall snag tree, watching over the area.




Several informal memorials for slide victims are visible from the trail.




This sign details the rescue efforts immediately following the slide.





A bronze artistic rendition of the original Steelhead Drive mailboxes was placed here in 2018.




This was my turnaround point.  Total distance (each way): a little more than 5 miles.  


TRAIL SCOREBOARD:
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being "outstanding")

Parking:  10
Restroom: N/A
Trail condition/footing: 10
Prettiness: 5-10, depending where you are
Learning opportunities/Historical connection to area: 10


Technical trail/obstacles/issues:  Some barking dogs. Bridges are sturdy and in excellent repair, with concrete or heavy wood decks.  Occasional traffic crossing the trail (including a tractor when I visited). The trail comes near to a busy road with traffic that may include laden logging trucks.  Trail footing is wheelchair accessible, flat and even, with virtually no elevation change.

Sight lines are very clear with no blind corners. 

Other trail users are scarce at this time.  This will change when the trail opens officially and signage directs users to it.  This trail is open to pedestrians (including walkers/runners with strollers), bicycles (non-motorized), dogs (on leash) and equestrians.  

The memorial section of the trail may include weird things that can spook horses, including balloons.

Animals:  Many wild birds including bald eagles and hummingbirds.  Coyote scat on trail.  Bear sightings possible during berry/salmon seasons.  Spawning salmon visible in season.  Rainbow trout and other fish at Fortson Mill Pond (fishing license required).  Farm animals adjacent the trail include goats, cattle, horses, llamas, pigs, and poultry.   


Overall impression : great trail, go see it!





Comments

  1. Thanks! I'll add it to my potential local destinations!

    ReplyDelete

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