10 Must-See Abandoned Places in Washington

Washington State is home to a wealth of abandoned places that tell stories of industry, war, and economic decline. From eerie ghost towns to forgotten military bunkers, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the past. Here are 10 abandoned places in Washington that are worth exploring.

1. Northern State Hospital (Sedro-Woolley)

A Former Mental Asylum with a Dark History

Built in 1912, Northern State Hospital was once one of the largest mental health facilities in the state. It housed thousands of patients before closing in 1976. Today, many of its decaying buildings remain, including the iconic "Death Tunnel," where deceased patients were transported underground to avoid disturbing the living. The site is now part of a recreation area, but its crumbling structures still evoke a chilling atmosphere.

2. Govan School (Govan)

A Forgotten One-Room Schoolhouse

Located in the ghost town of Govan, this abandoned schoolhouse dates back to the early 1900s. The town thrived during the wheat boom but was abandoned by the 1940s. The school, with its rotting wooden floors and broken windows, stands as a lonely relic of rural education in Washington.

3. Fort Worden (Port Townsend)

An Abandoned Military Fort with Stunning Views

Part of the "Triangle of Fire" defense system, Fort Worden was built in the early 1900s to protect Puget Sound from naval attacks. Though parts of the fort have been repurposed into a state park, many bunkers and artillery batteries remain abandoned. The dark tunnels and coastal gun emplacements make for an eerie exploration.

4. The Iron Goat Trail (Near Stevens Pass)

A Railroad Graveyard in the Mountains

This scenic hiking trail follows the abandoned route of the Great Northern Railway, which was buried by an avalanche in 1910. Rusting train cars, collapsed tunnels, and old rail beds can still be found along the trail, offering a haunting reminder of the dangers of early rail travel.

5. Satsop Nuclear Power Plant (Elma)

A Never-Finished Nuclear Facility

Construction on this nuclear plant began in the 1970s but was abandoned due to funding issues. The massive cooling towers and reactor buildings stand unfinished, creating a post-apocalyptic landscape. Though fenced off, the site is visible from public roads and remains one of Washington’s most surreal abandoned places.

6. Monte Cristo Ghost Town (Near Granite Falls)

A Gold Rush Town Lost to Time

Founded in the 1890s during the gold rush, Monte Cristo was once a bustling mining town. After the mines closed, the town was abandoned, leaving behind crumbling cabins, rusted machinery, and a few restored buildings. The remote location adds to its ghostly charm.

7. Fort Columbia (Chinook)

A Coastal Defense Fort Frozen in Time

Built in the late 1800s, Fort Columbia was part of the same defense network as Fort Worden. While some buildings have been preserved, others sit in decay, including underground bunkers and artillery batteries. The foggy coastal setting enhances its eerie vibe.

8. Lester Ghost Town (Near Stampede Pass)

A Railroad Town Reclaimed by Nature

Once a thriving logging and railroad town, Lester was abandoned in the 1980s. Today, only a few rotting structures remain, slowly being swallowed by the forest. The town’s isolation and decaying buildings make it a favorite among urban explorers.

9. The Abandoned Nike Missile Site (Seattle)

A Cold War Relic Hidden in Plain Sight

Built in the 1950s to defend against Soviet bombers, this missile site was decommissioned in the 1970s. The underground control rooms and launch facilities are now sealed off, but the above-ground structures remain, hidden in a Seattle park.

10. The Old Wilkeson Coke Ovens (Wilkeson)

A Remnant of Washington’s Coal Industry

These massive brick ovens were used to process coal in the early 1900s. After the industry declined, they were abandoned, leaving behind an eerie industrial ruin. The moss-covered ovens look like something from a post-apocalyptic film.

Final Thoughts

Washington’s abandoned places offer a fascinating mix of history, mystery, and decay. Whether you're an urban explorer, photographer, or history buff, these sites provide a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past. Always remember to explore responsibly—many of these locations are on private property or have safety hazards.