The only thing better than a beautiful hike in Washington is a hike with a side of history. There’s a little ghost town in Pierce County known as Melmont that pays homage to our local past — and there just happens to be a scenic trail that takes you right to it. Next time you’ve got a free morning or an afternoon, embark on this hike that leads to an abandoned place in Washington.

The Melmont Ghost Town trail is a seven mile out-and-back hike that begins near the town of Carbonado.
Thailia Johnson / alltrails.com
Carbonado is a small community located south of Buckley near Mt. Rainier National Park.
The hike is relatively easy, although it can be muddy after it rains. The best way to begin is to climb down the Carbonado side of the Fairfax Bridge.
Pete Mitchell / alltrails.com
The trail follows an abandoned rail grade, and you'll spend plenty of time riverside, where you can admire the water as it shimmers in the golden sun...
Scott Maine / alltrails.com
... and after about three miles, you'll reach Melmont. There's not much left to this old mining town, but there's certainly enough to explore.
Jonathan Lowe / alltrails.com

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The town was founded in 1900 when a subsidiary of Northern Pacific Railway started the Melmont coal mine.
Sonya S. / alltrails.com
The town once had a schoolhouse, a train depot, a saloon, a hotel (which held a post office, a butcher shop, and a general store), and cottages that were used as housing for the miners.
During the 16 years the mine operated, it produced about 900,000 tons of coal.
Pete Mitchell / alltrails.com
The town even had a scandal. In 1905, the house of Jack Wilson, then the foreman of the mines, was bombed with a load of dynamite someone put under the house. Although Jack and his daughter were sleeping inside, they were not harmed. A minder named David Steele was charged with the crime, but he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
By the early 1920s, the local mines were all closed, and a forest fire destroyed most of what was left of the town soon after.
Chris Pugh / alltrails.com
Aside from a few scraps, all that currently remains of Melmont is part of the foundation of a bridge, a small building once used for storing explosives, and the foundation of the schoolhouse.
Despite its fairly long length, this is one of the easier historic hiking trails in Washington, and it's well worth the journey.
Pete Mitchell / alltrails.com
It's fascinating to see our abandoned villages, knowing that entire communities once called them home.

If you’re a local history buff who loves to hike, this is definitely a trail worth taking. Do you have a favorite hike to an abandoned place in Washington? Let us know in the comments! Here are some other great ghost town hikes here in Washington..

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hike to an abandoned place in washington

Beth Price-Williams | April 21, 2020

Are there any other abandoned places in Washington?

If you like exploring abandoned places in Washington and road trips, you’re in luck. The road trip to Washington’s most abandoned places will require at least a few days on the road. You’ll travel 666 miles in over 13 hours, stopping at such abandoned sites as Nike Missile Site in Redmond, Govan Schoolhouse, and Lester.

However, if you don’t have time for a long road trip, you might want to consider a visit to Lester, an abandoned town in Washington. The town dates back to 1892, although it began spiraling into decay by the 1950s. Today, you’ll have to walk two miles to reach the abandoned town.

Can I take any other historic hiking trails in Washington?

Historic hiking trails in Washington promise beautiful scenery and interesting backstories. If you’ve got plenty of time, set off on the 25-mile Ferry County Rail Trail. The rail trail will lead you through a forested area along the picturesque Kettle River. Along the way, you’ll cross bridges, walk through tunnels, and pass railroad tracks.

If you’re a fan of natural history, you’ll definitely want to hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park. At just over a mile, the trail promises spectacular views of trees that date back more than 1,000 years.

What are the best unique hikes in Washington?

Hikers will absolutely love the many unique hikes in Washington. The Ozette Loop Trail, for example, promises jaw-dropping beauty nearly every step of the way. You’ll walk down stone stairs and journey eight miles, ending at the edge of the ocean. The trail is popular with campers as well as hikers.

For another spectacularly unique hike in Washington, follow the Hall of Mosses Trail that meanders through Olympic National Park. The mile-long trail is ideal for beginners and features such natural beauty as ancient trees draped in moss.

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Melmont Ghost Town Hike, 23689 Mowich Lake Rd, Carbonado, WA 98323, USA