Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 8 Most Abandoned Places In Oregon

There's something undeniably alluring about many of the abandoned places in Oregon. Not only do some hold significant historical value, but they also remind us of days gone by. Seeing how nature has slowly reclaimed some of these once-important landmarks is both haunting and beautiful. With that in mind, we've created an itinerary for exploring some of the most abandoned places in Oregon. From ghost towns to shipwrecks, this road trip adventure will take you to some truly fascinating destinations.

The trip takes roughly nine hours of driving and can be spread out over as many days and nights as you'd like. Customize your itinerary using this interactive map.

1. Fort Stevens State Park

Our abandoned places in Oregon adventure begins in the northwestern tip of the state. Fort Stevens State Park is home to an incredible abandoned military fort. Originally built to protect the area around the Columbia River, the fort was abandoned after WWII. Today, the namesake state park allows visitors to enjoy this historical landmark. Get a closer look at Fort Stevens:

2. Peter Iredale Shipwreck

Just a stone's throw away from the military base is the legendary Peter Iredale: the haunting remains of a shipwreck that washed ashore more than 100 years ago. The four-masted steel barque vessel washed ashore in October 1906 due to a heavy northwest squall. Fortunately, there were no casualties from the shipwreck; however, it still remains among the most haunting places in Oregon.

3. The Old Mill in Vernonia

Next up on this abandoned places in Oregon road trip, you'll head southeast to the lovely town of Vernonia. The town's biggest park, Vernonia Lake Park, is home to an abandoned mill. In 1924, the Oregon American Lumber Company opened the mill, which soon became the biggest in the state. By 1957, the old-growth in the area had been logged and the mill closed. Today, all that remains are the abandoned structures. Let’s further explore the Old Mill in Vernonia:

4. Witch's Castle in Forest Park

Continuing southeast, you will soon pass through the city of Portland. One iconic local landmark is the Witch's Castle, an abandoned, moss-covered stone structure that's located along the scenic Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park. The building was installed by Portland Parks and Recreation in the 1930s as a ranger station. The building fell into disrepair and it was eventually abandoned altogether. Yet what makes this one of the most haunted places in Oregon is the history of the land.

5. Abandoned Power Plant at White River Falls State Park

When you leave Portland, you'll take Interstate 84 east through the Columbia River Gorge and onward to White River Falls State Park. A short, easy trail will take you to the park's namesake waterfall. If you walk downstream from the falls, you'll find remnants of the first hydroelectric power plants to appear in Oregon. It was built in 1901 and served Sherman and Wasco Counties until it was discontinued in 1963 after the construction of modern hydroelectric plants along the river.

6. Shaniko

Next, you'll visit Shaniko, one of the most iconic abandoned places in Oregon. Walking down the empty streets will make you feel like you've been transported back in time to the old Wild West. Incorporated in 1901, Shaniko was once considered the Wool Capital of the World. Due to two fires and the installation of an alternate railroad route, the town was nearly deserted just 10 years later. Learn about the history of Shaniko:

7. Kent

Near Shaniko is another, lesser-known town that's full of abandoned buildings of its own. Stop by Kent to see numerous decrepit buildings and rusting ruins as well as a huge, picturesque grain elevator.

8. Fort Rock Valley Homestead Museum

Last but not least, this road trip to abandoned places will lead you to the incredible Fort Rock Valley Homestead Museum, located beside Fort Rock. This landmark is undoubtedly one of the Oregon desert's beautiful natural wonders. This unique museum is made up of numerous abandoned buildings from around the area that were relocated to the homestead and arranged into a ghostly, abandoned "village". Walking down the dusty road and peering into the buildings is a positively fascinating experience. The museum opened in 1988 in an effort to showcase homestead-era buildings and the history of the people who lived there.

What are your thoughts on this road trip to these abandoned places in Oregon? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! For more eerily fascinating places, check out this Oregon ghost towns road trip.