10 Deserted Towns in the Pacific Northwest with Remarkable Pasts

The Pacific Northwest is home to a number of ghost towns that tell stories of ambition, hardship, and change. From mining camps tucked deep into the mountains to logging settlements along rugged coasts, these places were once bustling with life before being left behind.

Each town’s abandonment reveals a unique piece of regional history, shaped by economic shifts, natural disasters, or simply the passing of time. Today, some of these towns are crumbling ruins overtaken by nature, while others preserve their history through restored buildings and interpretive signs.

Exploring their stories offers a window into the challenges and dreams of the people who once called them home.

Monte Cristo, Washington (abandoned 1907)

Monte Cristo was a booming mining town in the late 1800s, drawing prospectors eager to extract gold and silver from the Cascade Mountains. Built in a remote, rugged valley, it grew to include hotels, saloons, and a railroad line. Harsh winters, floods, and the depletion of ore led to its decline. By 1907, most residents had moved away. Today, visitors can hike to the site and see remnants of mining equipment and building foundations.

Bodie, Washington (abandoned 1911)

Bodie began as a mining settlement in the Okanogan Highlands during the late 19th century. At its height, the town featured a post office, saloons, and dozens of homes. The gold veins quickly played out, and by 1911, most miners had left. The dry climate preserved many wooden structures, which still stand today as silent reminders of its short-lived prosperity.

Shaniko, Oregon (declined after 1940s)

Known as the ‘Wool Capital of the World,’ Shaniko thrived in the early 1900s as a hub for sheep ranching and wool shipping. Railroads brought business, but when routes changed and trucking became more common, the economy collapsed. By the mid-20th century, Shaniko was nearly deserted. Some buildings have been restored, making it a popular stop for travelers on Highway 97.

Govan, Washington (mostly abandoned after 1940s)

Govan once served as a small farming community and railroad stop in eastern Washington. It is best known for its eerie abandoned schoolhouse, which still stands despite decades of neglect. Declining rail service and the consolidation of farms led to population loss. Today, only a handful of people remain in the area, and the town has an unmistakable ghostly feel.

Golden, Oregon (abandoned early 1900s)

Golden was established during the gold rush in southern Oregon and was unique for its lack of saloons due to its largely religious community. The town peaked with several hundred residents, a post office, and a church. When gold production declined, residents left to find work elsewhere. The state has preserved its few remaining buildings as part of Golden State Heritage Site.

Lemhi City, Idaho (abandoned early 1900s)

Founded in the 1860s during Idaho’s gold rush, Lemhi City quickly grew with miners and merchants. A combination of harsh winters and dwindling gold deposits led to its abandonment within a few decades. Today, only stone foundations and scattered artifacts remain, offering a glimpse into its frontier past.

Bayhorse, Idaho (abandoned 1925)

Bayhorse began as a silver mining town in the late 1800s and grew into a thriving settlement with smelters, saloons, and a population of over 300. When silver prices collapsed and fires destroyed key structures, residents moved on. Now part of Idaho’s Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, its preserved ruins are open to visitors.

Greenhorn, Oregon (mostly abandoned after 1910s)

Perched high in the Blue Mountains, Greenhorn was once a bustling gold mining camp. It suffered from isolation, difficult winters, and limited ore. By the early 20th century, most residents had moved away. A few seasonal cabins remain, and the area is now a destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.

Malden, Washington (devastated 2020)

Malden was a small farming community that suffered a catastrophic wildfire in 2020, destroying most of its structures. While technically not abandoned for long, the fire drastically reduced its population. Its story reflects the ongoing vulnerability of rural towns in the region to natural disasters.

Sumpter, Oregon (declined after 1917)

Sumpter was a major gold mining town in eastern Oregon, boasting three newspapers, dozens of saloons, and a population of thousands. A devastating fire in 1917 destroyed much of the business district, and mining declined soon after. Today, it is partially revived as a heritage tourism site, with a working gold dredge and annual events celebrating its history.