8 Abandoned Places on the West Coast You Need to See Before They’re Gone

The West Coast is home to many mysterious, forgotten places that are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

If you’re a fan of eerie ghost towns, abandoned structures, and crumbling ruins, these spots should be on your must-visit list before they disappear for good.

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Table of Contents

1. Shaniko, Oregon
2. Witches Castle, Forest Park, Oregon
3. Sumpter Dredge, Oregon
4. Devil’s Slide Bunker, California
5. Fort Casey State Park, Washington
6. The Old Mine in the Ochoco Mountains, Oregon
7. Peter Iredale Shipwreck, Oregon
8. Año Nuevo Island, California

1. Shaniko, Oregon

Old truck with Shankio written on a barn's red roof.

Once known as the “Wool Capital of the World,” Shaniko is now a ghost town in the high desert of Central Oregon.

Its old buildings, including a historic hotel and schoolhouse, are still standing, offering a glimpse into its once-thriving past. This eerie, quiet town is a worth a drive thru!

READ MORE: Exploring Ghost Towns in Oregon

2. Witches Castle, Forest Park, Oregon

Witches Castle, an old building with graffiti in the forest.

Deep in Portland’s Forest Park, the crumbling stone ruins of Witches Castle have become a legendary local spot.

While the structure was never actually a castle or home to witches, its eerie vibe and secluded location make it one of the most haunted spots in the Pacific Northwest.

READ MORE: Top Hikes in Forest Park, Portland

3. Sumpter Dredge, Oregon

Located in the historic gold mining town of Sumpter, the Sumpter Valley Dredge is one of the last remaining gold dredges in the U.S.

This giant, rusting machine, used to extract gold from the earth, now sits abandoned in a state park, a relic of the town’s booming gold rush past.

READ MORE: Exploring Sumpter, Oregon

4. Devil’s Slide Bunker, California

Old war bunker full of graffiti on the California Coast.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Devil’s Slide Bunker is an abandoned military structure from World War II.

The graffiti-covered building is an iconic and eerie sight along California’s Highway 1, offering sweeping coastal views from its crumbling remains.

READ MORE: Devil’s Slide Trail

5. Fort Casey State Park, Washington

Old Fort Casey, a grey building, two stories.

Head to Fort Casey in Washington to experience wandering around some historical old forests right along the coast!

You’ll find cool coastal hikes, people paragliding, and lighthouses to explore too.

READ MORE: Fort Casey State Park

6. The Old Mine in the Ochoco Mountains, Oregon

Old Blue Ridge Mine, an abandoned wooden building, in the Ochoco Forest.

Hidden in the Ochoco National Forest, there are old, abandoned mines that give a glimpse into Oregon’s mining history.

The overgrown entrance and surrounding ruins are a reminder of the area’s once-thriving industry and a unique adventure for those who seek it out.

READ MORE: Guide to The Ochoco Forest

7. Peter Iredale Shipwreck, Oregon

The remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck rest on the sands of Fort Stevens State Park, a haunting reminder of the past.

The ship ran aground in 1906, and its rusted skeleton remains a popular yet eerie spot for visitors to explore along the Oregon Coast.

8. Año Nuevo Island, California

Abandoned house on an island in Ano Nuevo State Park.

Just off the coast of California, Año Nuevo Island is a desolate, windswept piece of land that once housed a lightkeeper’s residence and other structures.

Now, the buildings sit in ruins, abandoned to the elements and home only to a colony of seals.

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