Finding a ghost town in Washington will make you feel like you're starring in your own movie. As if you've suddenly stumbled into something lightly creepy, the kind of place that once mattered to an entire town, and now simply belongs to the earth once again. Walking through the creepiest abandoned town in Washington which was once a bustling place, which has simply been laid to rest truly makes for an unforgettable experience. Curious where you can find ghost towns in Washington? We can help with that! Keep reading to find out all about one in Lester, Washington!
Though many of Washington’s ghost towns are on private property, there are still quite a few spots where you can hike and explore to get a slight glimpse at the state's past. This one in particular is one that's full of local legend and that requires quite a hike to reach. Don't let the hike deter you though, folks! It's all in the experience. The town of Lester, Washington, located just south of Snoqualmie Pass in King County, just might be one of the creepiest Washington ghost towns.
The town of Lester, WA, was initially founded in 1892. It was created in response to the bustling economy required by the Northern Pacific Railroad as it laid track over Stampede Pass.
Unfortunately, a handful of forest fires in 1902 devastated the logging industry in the area. This, of course, is what jumpstarted the town's later fall into a legendary ghost town.
By the 1950s, steam engines and passenger service were declining, and so was the population of the town.
Folks simply didn't want to live out in the wilderness any longer. As jobs became scarce, so did the people. And as people became scarce? So did the upkeep in Lester. The town began to slip backward into its natural state.
Lester was eventually closed down by the city of Tacoma to protect the drinking water quality of the Green River Watershed. Washingtonians simply didn't want to live here anymore. It was quiet and remote, and it wasn't easy to travel to Lester.
Still, some stayed. The last remaining resident, Gertrude Murphy, died in 2002 at the age of 99, officially making Lester a completely abandoned town in Washington.
If you're looking to reach the Lester, WA ghost town, you must take I-90 exit 62 near Snoqualmie Pass and drive over Stampede Pass, a steep and bumpy road, until you reach the bridge that’s closed to vehicles.
Then comes the eerily quiet two-mile walk, which takes you through the most beautiful wilderness, of course, but quiet and remote as a whole. It's a necessary journey to make it to one of the creepiest abandoned places in Washington.
Step inside the buildings at your own risk, and know that we wouldn't recommend it. The structures are not safe for visitors, so for your own safety please ogle the ghostly town from the outside.
But definitely catch a glimpse of these deathly silent abandoned rooms. Peek through the windows at a world that's been lost to the plod of time.
See what it’s like to explore Lester:
Would you hike two miles to see one of the creepiest abandoned places, Lester, Washington? If so, check out this Washington trek through the wilderness, if you go, check with AllTrails for any trail reviews and updates.
Have you ever visited a ghost town before? Which one and what was your experience like? Share with us in the comments section. If long drives are more appealing, try going on a ghost town road trip.
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