Ghostly Remnants: 5 Abandoned Spots to Discover in Washington

5 Abandoned Spots to Discover in Washington

In addition to its well-known lush woods and striking coastlines, Washington State is home to a number of abandoned locations that seem to be whispering ghost stories from the past.

This article will take you on a tour of five such locations, where time has stood still and the natural world is taking back its domain.

These places provide a window into a past Washington, from the eerily quiet abandoned settlements to the hauntingly gorgeous ruins of former industrial enterprises. Get ready to explore a realm of obscure vistas and undiscovered stories concealed within the Evergreen State.

Battery 247

One of the many abandoned WWII gun batteries dotting Washington and the Pacific Northwest is Battery 247. One of three batteries that guarded the Columbia River mouth, the battery was constructed sometime in 1943.

Not long after World War II ended, in 1945, the battery was taken out of service. Not long after the location was closed, the firearms were taken down and transferred.

The McKenzie Head Trail leads to Battery 247 and is only a short 0.8-mile stroll from the parking area. The concrete structures are still in excellent shape today. Not only is the area public and gun-free, but it’s also one of the few abandoned locations in Washington that you can legally visit.

Bicycle Tree

Though there are a lot of theories as to how this bike got within the tree, nobody is positive. The tale of the youngster who, before being sent off to war, tied his bike to a tree is one of the most well-known.

The bike was mentioned in the book Red Ranger Came Calling by renowned author Berkeley Breathed, who was raised on the island.

5 Abandoned Spots to Discover in Washington

The bicycle tree is perhaps one of the more unusual locations I’ve been to, even though there are undoubtedly bigger abandoned spots in Washington.

The bike has been devoured by the tree trunk, just like in the pictures. Until you really see it, it hardly seems genuine.

Read More: Forgotten Stories: 5 Abandoned Places You Need to See in Wisconsin

Satsop Nuclear Power Plant

Washington Nuclear Projects Nos. 3 and 5, or WNP-3 and WNP-5, were comprised of these two menacing cooling towers. The Satsop site was supposed to have five nuclear power units producing electricity in total.

When the first two towers were constructed, the project’s construction got underway back in 1977. Regrettably, expenses spiraled out of control, necessitating project management adjustments. In spite of these modifications, the projected expense increased from $4.1 billion to around $24 billion.

Due to the parent company’s inability to raise enough bonds to complete the project’s funding, construction was suspended in 1983. The project was abandoned in 1999 when it was almost 76% finished, following many starts and stops.

Although the towers are gated off, they are accessible for close inspection with careful planning and time.

Read More: Silent Witnesses: 5 Forgotten Ghost Towns and Their Mysteries in Pennsylvania

Govan School House

Govan is a ghost town scattered throughout the backroads of Washington, its most famous building being the schoolhouse. Built in 1906, the school served the town until many of Govan’s buildings were destroyed by fire in 1927. In 1942, the settlement was abandoned and abandoned.

5 Abandoned Spots to Discover in Washington

Govan’s attraction is increased by the numerous unsolved killings that have occurred there in the past. The town’s judge and his spouse were discovered fatally beaten within their residence in 1902.

On her property, a woman was discovered dead in 1941. Eight years after her kid went missing, he was discovered in a field outside of town. Nobody was ever found guilty in any of these trials.

Govan is a real ghost town with only three residents. As one of the most intriguing abandoned structures in the region, the schoolhouse steals the show. Even if it requires a quick travel, Govan is undoubtedly something you should see for yourself.

Read More: Whispers of the Past: Exploring Utah’s Ghost Towns

Bodie Ghost Town

This ghost town in Washington was founded in 1900 as a mill town—not to be confused with Bodie, CA. At its height, the town featured a hotel, a post office, and a large number of residential buildings.

The enormous stamp mill used to grind ore came from the Golconda mines nearby. The town’s vital source was the mill.

Up until the mines slowed down, everything was perfect. Many people in Bodie were left without employment or opportunities after the mill closed in 1930. A fire that tore across the village in 1962 destroyed the mill.

Bodie features a lot of abandoned buildings strewn over the road and in the fields. Bodie is one of the few abandoned sites in Washington that has a goldrush history and is really cool.

Read More: Forgotten Hues: Tales From the Haunting Ghost Towns of Vermont

To Conclude

The eerie beauty of Battery 247 and the terrifying past of Govan School House are just two examples of the abandoned sites in Washington that provide insight into the state’s complex past.

These abandoned locations offer an experience unlike any other, whether you’re drawn to the industrial power of the Satsop Nuclear Power Plant or the mystique of the Bicycle Tree.

Therefore, Washington’s abandoned sites are just waiting for you to uncover them if you’re an adventurer looking for undiscovered treasures or a history lover desiring a real connection to the past.

Reference

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.