Shaniko, Oregon is a true slice of history and a unique hidden gem. Located in Wasco County, this amazingly preserved ghost town has a fascinating history -- before its decline, it was known as the "Wool Capitol of the World". To this day, you can still visit the town and walk through the empty streets, past decaying buildings, ghostly windows, rusting trucks, and more; the experience is absolutely unforgettable.
Walking down the streets of Shaniko, history seems to come alive.
The town's glory days were short-lived but fascinating. Much of Shaniko was erected in 1900, and in the following years the town grew quickly, constructing a large wool facility which, at the time, was the largest in Oregon. By as soon as 1903, people had begun referring to Shaniko as the "Wool Capitol of the World".
However, the town's fate was jeopardized in 1911 when the railroad running through the town decided to re-route the line due to Shaniko's remote location. A fire spread through the downtown district not long after, destroying a number of buildings that were never rebuilt. These two events marked the beginning of the town's decline.
Nowadays, visitors can explore the area for a real blast from the past.
Many of the buildings are still standing, including the hotel, jail, city hall, post office, and more. A few of the historic buildings have been re-opened to visitors including a museum and a couple of seasonal gift shops.
Surrounded by wide open landscapes reminiscent of the "Wild West", the area retains an unique, slightly eerie beauty.
The town still stands as a ghost of its former self. One can't help but wondering, what other ghosts dwell here?
Visiting this amazing ghost town is a simply unforgettable experience.
Shaniko is located in Wasco County just off Highway 97. It is a "living" ghost town, which means there are still a small population of people who reside in the area, so when you're exploring be careful not to trespass.
Check out our Ultimate Oregon Ghost Town Road Trip here.
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