11 Abandoned Places in Washington: A Glimpse into the Past

Washington State, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities like Seattle and Spokane, also hides a wealth of abandoned places that whisper stories of the past. From forgotten towns to crumbling military installations, these sites provide a hauntingly beautiful look at history, decay, and nature’s reclaiming process. If you're a fan of urban exploration, photography, or simply a history enthusiast, here are 11 abandoned places in Washington that will captivate your imagination.

1. The Olympic Correctional Facility (Forks)

Once a high-security prison, the Olympic Correctional Facility in Forks, Washington, was closed in 2011 due to budget cuts. The complex is now largely abandoned, with its empty cells, cracked walls, and rusting fences serving as a reminder of the state’s corrections history. The buildings, though off-limits to the public, offer a glimpse into the everyday life behind bars and the shifts in the state’s prison system.

2. The Baker River Campground (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)

Tucked away in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Baker River Campground was once a thriving spot for outdoor enthusiasts. However, in the 1990s, the campground was abandoned due to environmental concerns and the gradual closure of nearby facilities. What remains are old picnic tables, rusted signs, and crumbling infrastructure slowly being overtaken by nature. It's a peaceful yet eerie spot to explore.

3. The Van Buren Grange Hall (Belfair)

This small building, once a community gathering place in Belfair, Washington, now stands as a haunting reminder of its past. The Van Buren Grange Hall was abandoned after the decline of rural farming in the area, leaving behind faded signage, empty rooms, and a sense of nostalgia. The surrounding forest has begun to reclaim the site, adding to its overgrown and ghostly charm.

4. The Boeing Everett Factory (Everett)

Though still in operation, part of the Boeing Everett Factory is home to numerous abandoned spaces, such as leftover offices, storage areas, and older sections that were once buzzing with activity but are now dormant. Boeing's headquarters is a massive complex and offers fascinating contrasts between functioning sections and those left in time, making it a unique place to visit if you want to explore the legacy of aviation in Washington.

5. The Centralia Mine (Centralia)

Centralia is perhaps one of Washington's most famous ghost towns. In 1962, a fire started in an abandoned coal mine, and the underground blaze has been burning ever since. Today, the town is largely abandoned, with smoke billowing from cracks in the earth and roads slowly being overtaken by vegetation. Though it's now officially off-limits, Centralia's eerie atmosphere and ghostly remnants of homes and businesses make it one of the most haunting abandoned places in Washington.

6. Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend)

Located in Port Townsend, Fort Worden is an old military base that was active during World War II and the Cold War. The fort’s coastal artillery batteries, barracks, and other buildings are now abandoned and open for exploration. The area is rich with history, offering a look into military life, defense strategy, and the decline of these once-vital coastal fortifications. It’s also a popular site for photographers, as the abandoned buildings and their proximity to the ocean create stunning visuals.

7. The Blue Streak Rocket Launch Site (Wenatchee)

In the 1960s, a Cold War-era rocket program operated out of a remote site in Wenatchee. The Blue Streak rocket launch site was abandoned after the program’s cancellation, leaving behind old concrete pads, rusting remnants of equipment, and crumbling structures. Now, the site is a relic of Washington’s role in the space race, providing a fascinating and little-known piece of history for urban explorers.

8. The Stewart House (Leavenworth)

The Stewart House in Leavenworth, Washington, was once a grand hotel that attracted visitors from around the country. However, it closed in the 1970s, and the building gradually fell into disrepair. What remains today is a hauntingly beautiful structure, with its decaying exterior and the faint scent of history lingering in the air. The surrounding town of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village, contrasts sharply with the abandoned hotel, making it a strange juxtaposition of old-world charm and decay.

9. The Port Gamble Mill (Port Gamble)

Port Gamble is a small town with deep ties to the timber industry, and its old mill, established in the 1800s, was once a cornerstone of the town's economy. However, as the timber industry moved away from the area, the mill was eventually closed and left to deteriorate. The mill's rusted equipment, abandoned buildings, and decaying wood are a testament to the town’s industrial past. Visitors can see the remnants of this once-thriving business and explore the nearby ghost town.

10. The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (Tacoma)

While the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma is still operational, its once-popular monkey house, aviary, and some older enclosures have been abandoned in recent years. These structures now stand empty, with peeling paint and rusting metal that showcase the zoo's past before its renovations and updates. The contrast between the lively, updated areas of the zoo and these ghostly enclosures makes for an interesting exploration of the past.

11. The Old Tacoma Courthouse (Tacoma)

The Old Tacoma Courthouse, built in the 1890s, stands as a beautiful yet abandoned relic in the heart of Tacoma. The building’s stunning architecture was once home to city officials, but as time passed and the courthouse was replaced with more modern facilities, the building fell into disrepair. Despite its abandonment, the old courthouse's intricate details and grandeur are still evident, making it a hauntingly picturesque site for history enthusiasts and photographers.

Conclusion

Washington State is home to a diverse range of abandoned places, each with its own unique history and charm. Whether you're a photographer looking to capture the haunting beauty of decaying buildings, a history buff exploring forgotten towns and sites, or an urban explorer seeking adventure, these 11 abandoned places offer a fascinating journey into the past. While some of these places are off-limits or in various states of decay, they all stand as powerful reminders of Washington’s rich history, from industrial growth to military defense, and the inevitable march of time that causes all things to fade.