Check out some recent uploads from a trip out to Fortson Mill we took back in October. The mill was established in 1905 and the town that formed around it was named Fortson in 1923. The town flourished until the mill was sold in 1954 and operations relocated to Darrington. See more at Ghost Towns of Washington.
Accessible from the Whitehorse Trail, this site offers plenty to see, with a combination of trails and structures to explore, as well as Fortson Pond, which is host to an annual fishing derby.
There is also a LOT of graffiti, which is very common to see among the run down foundations often found in Washington’s “ghost town” sites. Most of these sites have only the foundation rubble still standing, as wooden structures simply don’t stand the test of time in our climate. These leftovers ultimately become a very enticing canvas for some of the sites’ visitors.
Like many of the other sites we visit in this category, Fortson Mill was once a town formed around a paper mill. In the early 20th century, it was common for small towns in the area to form around sources of industrial employment, such as paper mills, coal mines, dams and so on. When the businesses go (whether they close completely or simply move), the town often does as well.
While these sites are commonly patrolled by the county Sheriffs and maintained by Washington State Parks or Washington Trails Association, caution is highly recommended when visiting. There are many places with unstable footing and plenty of opportunities to bang your head against low ceilings.
Fortson Mill Gallery
For more information on Whitehorse Trail and other sites to visit in the area, please visit the Washington Trails Association.
