Urban Exploration in Washington
Washington — The Evergreen State
Washington State offers Pacific Northwest urbex including abandoned military sites, logging camps, mining towns, and industrial waterfronts. The state's natural beauty provides dramatic settings for exploration.
About Washington Urbex
Washington urbex includes Puget Sound military installations, Cascade Range mining and logging sites, Spokane area mining towns, and Seattle's industrial waterfront. The state's geographic diversity creates varied exploration opportunities from rainforest to desert.
Types of Abandoned Places in Washington
- Military fortifications and bases
- Logging camps and mills
- Cascade mining towns
- Industrial waterfronts
- Grand Coulee area ghost towns
- Historic railroad facilities
- Forgotten fishing villages
Best Regions for Urban Exploration
Puget Sound (military, industrial)
Cascades (mining, logging)
Eastern Washington (ghost towns)
Olympic Peninsula (logging, maritime)
Columbia Gorge (railroad, industry)
Explore Washington by City
Discover urban exploration opportunities in major Washington cities. Each city page includes detailed information about local urbex sites, history, and what to expect.
Legal & Safety Information
Washington enforces trespassing laws. Many military sites remain restricted. Weather and terrain can be challenging. Some logging areas are on private timber company land requiring permission.
Always prioritize safety and legality. Research locations thoroughly before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mining ghost towns exist in Washington?
Washington has numerous mining ghost towns in the Cascades and eastern regions including Monte Cristo, Holden Village, and Liberty. Many require backcountry hiking to access and pose avalanche risks in winter.
Can I explore Fort Worden in Port Townsend?
Fort Worden is a state park with many preserved military buildings open to the public. Some areas are restricted. The entire complex is legal to visit during park hours — no trespassing required.
Where are Washington logging ghost towns?
The Olympic Peninsula and Cascade foothills contain numerous abandoned logging camps and mill towns. Most are on private timber land or deep in national forests. Research access laws and always carry navigation equipment.
Getting Started with Washington Urban Exploration
Ready to explore Washington? Start by browsing our interactive map to see locations across the state. Filter by category to find industrial sites, ghost towns, or historic buildings. Join our community to connect with local explorers and learn about the best spots to visit safely and legally.