13 Ghost Towns Across the Pacific Northwest
Step back in time and explore the ghost towns of the Pacific Northwest, where remnants of the past reveal stories of grit, ambition, and change. During the late 1800s, settlers poured into Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, chasing gold, timber, and new beginnings. Many towns flourished briefly before being left behind when fortunes faded.
From Silver City, Idaho, to Bodie, Washington, these once-bustling communities now stand quiet—old storefronts, saloons, and mining relics offering a rare glimpse into life on the rugged frontier. Some towns are easy to reach, while others invite adventure, tucked deep in mountain valleys or along forgotten dirt roads.
These ghost towns are living history, each one a reflection of the perseverance that built the Northwest. Exploring them connects you to a time of discovery and determination while offering the thrill of adventure on the open road. Take your RV, follow the trails of the past, and uncover the gold rush stories that shaped the Pacific Northwest.
SHOW NOTES
Episode Description:
Step back in time and discover the ghost towns of the Pacific Northwest, from Washington and Oregon to Idaho. These abandoned towns offer a glimpse into the boom-and-bust cycles of gold, logging, and railroads during the late 1800s. Explore historic mining camps, deserted frontier towns, and weathered streets that once bustled with miners, settlers, and pioneers.
Traveling by RV or car allows you to reach both preserved sites and remote locations, offering a hands-on way to experience the rugged history of the Northwest. Hike, bike, or simply wander through old cabins, saloons, general stores, and mining relics, imagining the lives of those who chased fortune and opportunity. Each town tells a story of ambition, resilience, and the fleeting nature of boomtown life.
Highlights include:
Washington’s Monte Cristo (National Park Service overview), Bodie (Historic Sites info), Govan, and Molson; Oregon’s Shaniko (Shaniko Historic Preservation), Golden, Sumpter (Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area), and Antelope (Wild Wild Country documentary); and Idaho’s Silver City (Silver City Historic Site), Bayhorse, Chesterfield, Warren, and Atlanta.
This episode is perfect for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and RV travelers eager to explore abandoned towns while connecting with the region’s rich past. Fire up your rig, grab your camera, and uncover the stories frozen in time across the Pacific Northwest.
Listen Now: https://www.rvoutwest.com/listen
Resources & Links:
Monte Cristo, WA: NPS Monte Cristo History
Shaniko, OR: Oregon Historic Sites
Sumpter, OR: Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area
Antelope, OR: Wild Wild Country Documentary on Netflix
Silver City, ID: BLM Silver City Historic Site
Keywords: Pacific Northwest ghost towns, Washington ghost towns, Oregon ghost towns, Idaho ghost towns, gold rush history, abandoned mining towns, RV travel, historic sites Pacific Northwest, frontier towns, mining history
