Located in a remote canyon in Eastern Oregon, this incredible abandoned cement factory dates back to the 1920s. Built by the Sun Portland Cement Company, this factory was originally made to create cement for the Owyhee Dam. After changing hands a few times, it was eventually closed down in the 1970s and was left to deteriorate. Nowadays, the factory is full of rubble, with collapsed ceilings and graffitied walls. Check out this video to see it for yourself:
Check out this video to see it for yourself:
Thanks to rj32 for the amazing video. Check out more awesome videos on their youtube channel Ruralx.
As fascinating as this place is, I don't recommend exploring it in person, as the structure itself is very dangerous.
If you’re a fan of military history and love a touch of the eerie, Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon is a must-visit. This sprawling 4,300-acre park was once a bustling military base and now gives a unique opportunity to explore the decaying structures of Fort Stevens and uncover the tales of its past.
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If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered.
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.
During the Civil War, Fort Stevens was built to protect the Columbia River from potential British attacks, showing the Union's commitment to defending the coast. Despite not being involved in any battles, the fort remained on high alert during the war. Its importance continued even after the conflict as it adapted to changing military needs and advancements in technology.
In the late 1800s, the fort was upgraded as part of a nationwide project. New buildings and better weapons were added, turning Fort Stevens from a simple defense site into a crucial part of the U.S. coastal defense system, equipped to handle the threats of that era.
During World War II, the fort was actually attacked by a Japanese submarine. This was a significant event because it was the only time during the war that an enemy attacked a location in the continental United States. While the attack didn't cause much damage, it was a frightening moment for the country.
After World War II, the fort was no longer needed due to advancements in military technology. As a result, it was closed and transformed into a state park. Today, it's a fascinating historical site to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
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There are lots of things to do at the park, like exploring the old fort, walking on trails, playing disc golf, and swimming in Coffenbury Lake. You can also camp in tents or RVs, and the campground has been updated recently to make it even nicer.
Fort Stevens State Park is such a unique place, and thanks to Oregon State Parks, we're fortunate to have the opportunity to see historical Fort Stevens up close. It's a dream come true for every fan of spooky experiences!
Have you ever visited Fort Stevens? Find out more about it and how you can tour the underground gun battery, visit the military museum, and explore the Civil War-era earthen fort by visiting the Fort Stevens State Park website.
Are there any creepy abandoned places in Oregon that you think I should know about? Let me know! I'd love to hear about any abandoned hospitals, houses, ghost towns, or anything else that's scary. And if you are looking for more one-of-a-kind adventures, then you have to visit these 10 creepy ghost towns in Oregon.
We'd like to give special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.
Sometimes we get so used to seeing something, that even though it might be extraordinary, we simply stop *seeing* it. This is the case with some of Oregon's most amazing natural wonders, like the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, and Haystack Rock; these are bucket-list places we are surrounded with every day! The Beaver State is also home to some man-made monoliths that are truly remarkable, too, such as the massive Paul Bunyan Statue in Portland. Mr. Bunyan has been keeping a watchful eye over the weird and wonderful Rose City since 1959, and, believe it or not, there's actually quite a reasonable explanation for this larger-than-life lumberjack.
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Paul Bunyan is a bit of a folk hero here in the Beaver State. This legendary lumberjack speaks to Oregon's rough-and-rugged pioneer roots.
So the fact that there's a massive Paul Bunyan statue on the streets of Portland, Oregon isn't all that weird, actually...
...except that this monolith is a whopping 31 feet tall!
For reference on just how big Paul Bunyan is, the gentleman in this photograph is 6'2"!
In Portland's Kenton neighborhood reigns a 31‐foot statue of Paul Bunyan, an impressive reminder of our state's strong and storied history. You can't miss him!
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The story behind this massive Paul Bunyan statue is actually quite simple, and not really weird at all. Bunyan was erected in 1959 in honor of the state's 100th birthday, for the Oregon Centennial Exposition and International Trade Fair.
The Portland Expo Center was selected as the location of the celebration, which brought in more than 1.5 million visitors over its 100-day run. Paul Bunyan was erected to welcome guests to this celebration.
Bunyan's legacy is bigger than he could have ever imagined. In addition to being an Oregon icon, this massive monolith is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Come and visit the burly Beaver State hero for yourself! You'll be in awe of this larger-than-life lumberjack.
Did you know the story behind Oregon's Paul Bunyan Statue? Have you stood next to him? He really is a wonderful addition to the weird and wonderful state we all love so much!
Portland's Paul Bunyan statue is just one of the many things we love in the Rose City. Check out our collection of articles for even more Portland fun. And if you are planning to stay for a while in this lovely city, stay for a while in a cozy vacation rental and have an adventure using Viator.