Fortune Ponds
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
Ancient forest, a quiet pass, and snow-fed ponds ringed by heather and huckleberries near the Cascade Crest.
About This Trail
Fortune Ponds hides at the end of the Meadow Creek Trail, tucked into the Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wildernesses where few people bother to go. The trail starts with 800 feet of switchbacks through a 1967 burn area, then levels into a long, gentle walk through old growth forest that some of these trees have been holding down for over 500 years. Queen's cup and shooting stars line the trail in early summer.
Around mile 4.5, the forest opens into a boggy meadow before climbing to Fortune Pass at roughly 4,000 feet. The final mile winds through huckleberry patches and heather slopes to Lower Fortune Pond, a quiet, dark-water lake that makes a fine camp. For those wanting more, the trail continues to Upper Fortune Pond, or you can scramble Fortune Peak. A high route over a 5,200-foot pass leads to Pear Lake for a longer loop.
This is a trail that rewards people who like solitude and old forests more than dramatic summit views. It sees steady but light traffic, and in September the blueberry picking is reportedly some of the best in the Cascades. The access road (FR 6530) has potholes but is passable for any vehicle. No parking pass is required.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“It had been way too long since I had been out on Meadow Creek Trail to Pear Lake so I took a few days this past weekend to remedy that situation!”
Last report: Sep 18, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Boggy meadow section can be difficult to navigate when wet
- Bugs can be intense in July near the ponds
- Limited views if clouds are low; this is a forest trail
Getting There
Small trailhead lot at the end of FR 6530. No parking pass required. Beckler River Campground (27 sites, reservable on recreation.gov) is nearby if you want to car camp the night before.
From Everett, drive east on Highway 2 for 50 miles. Turn left onto Beckler River Road, continue north nearly 7 miles to pavement's end, then turn right onto FR 6530 for approximately 5 miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. The road has potholes but is passable for standard vehicles.
Comfortable as a one-night backpack. The 13-mile round trip with moderate gain works as a long day hike for strong hikers, but camping at the ponds is the better experience. Start by mid-morning for an overnight.
Recent Reports
BLUEBERRIES! By far the most I've ever seen.
It had been way too long since I had been out on Meadow Creek Trail to Pear Lake so I took a few days this past weekend to remedy that situation! I had hoped to camp at Pear Lake and day hike along the PCT but between the warm temps, smoky skies and berries I was not as aggressive a hiker as I had hoped.
No trip report since last year for this hike, so I'll provide an update. The 4.
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