Texas Pond, near North Mountain, is both picturesque and of historic interest.  It is a fascinating family friendly destination with diverse wildlife and natural beauty.  Swamp Laurel and other wildflowers grow on ancient logs and stumps like some magical floating garden.  Each season creates Texas Pond’s beauty all over again.

This was once the location of the guard station for the Suiattle-Finney Forest District, now part of the Darrington Ranger District.  Tommy Thompson was the first ranger at Texas Pond. A Sub-Ranger Station, or guard station, was built mostly by Tommy.  When it was completed in 1908, he married his sweetheart Ella and there they spent their honeymoon and lived until 1914.  There was also a large cedar bolt camp at Texas Pond which Tommy and Ella supervised. You can still see the chute which was used to send the cedar bolts down to the Sauk River.  A steel wheel was used to control the water level of the pond. When the water was lowered to drain down the chute, the bolts were pushed through and onward to the Sauk River. Today many of the massive cedar stumps can be seen throughout the pond.  One may canoe here to examine things further. In 1913, plans were made to relocate the guard station to the Suiattle River drainage.  Since funds were limited, local materials were utilized, Tommy again, building the guard station mostly by himself.  His skills as a builder, using logs with dovetail joint corners are a testament to his outdoor skills. This building still stands today in service as a vacation rental.

Looking Back At Texas Pond History

When exploring Texas Pond by canoe, you will learn that there are two ponds divided by a narrow strip of land.  You can look down and see the massive cedar stumps preserved by years of submersion that were cut before the dam was built.  As you paddle these serene waters, you might also observe the handiwork of busy beavers and other wildlife habitat.

Texas Pond has been a recognized fishing destination for generations.  A few species that might end up on your hook are Cutthroat Trout and Small Mouth Bass.  Learn more at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Facilities at Texas Pond include one picnic table and a fire pit along the shore, and adjacent to a vaulted toilet, one dispersed camp site nestled in the trees with fire pit and picnic table.  Dispersed campsites are first come first served, with no camp host and limited amenities, so be sure to bring drinking water and other needs. Please take out your rubbish. There is a flat area along the shore where one can launch a small boat or canoe.  Keep in mind, paddling this pond will involve regions of very little clearance while passing over submerged logs and stumps.

The Four Seasons Of Texas Pond

Historical Map Of Texas Pond

Getting There: Drive 5.6 miles north from the Darrington Ranger Station, turn left at the Christian Camp sign on Forest Service Road #28, drive 1 mile and make a left just past the “Christian Camp, drive 3.6 miles. When you come to a Y in the road, keep to your right onto Forest Road #29, (unsigned). It is about 1/2 mile to Texas Pond and will see it down hill to the right.

Sources:

• Darrington Ranger District
• Pioneer Harold Engles
• Peter Selvig
• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife