6 Abandoned Places and Things in Washington That Will Spark Your Imagination

Washington has a long history of abandonment as well as haunted places. It’s not necessarily a bad thing though. These abandoned places in Washington can really spark your imagination and make you do some creative things.

Bicycle Tree – Vashon Island, Washington

The legend has it that the local sheriff Don Puz left his bicycle leaning against a fir tree in 1954 and forgot about it. Apparently the tree then grew around the bike, creating this strange landmark. Unfortunately, in recent years vandals have stolen a lot of the parts, but groups have stepped up to replace them with vintage parts and have added security measures.

Vance Creek Bridge – Shelton, Washington

Roughly 347 feet above the Skokomish River on the Olympic Peninsula is one of the most dangerous abandoned places in Washington. 442ft-long Vance Creek Bridge. It is America’s second-tallest railway trestle. Constructed in 1929, the bridge has had a recent revival of interest due to Instagram photographers. It also sits on private property and the owners aren’t too keen on people trespassing on this dangerous bridge.

Fort Casey – Whidbey Island, Washington

Fort Casey was constructed in 1897 as part of the “triangle of fire” meant to protect Puget Sound from enemies by sea. However, it became practically useless after the invention of the airplane in 1903. The area is now a 476-acre marine camping park that houses the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Also, three miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail wrap around the park.

Fisher Flour Mill – Harbor Island, Washington

If you want to see some of the most unique graffiti art in Washington check out the Fisher Flour Mill. It is a decaying 13-story mill that has been one of the abandoned places in Washington for quite some time. Now it is illegal to venture into the area but many artists and photographers make their way there during the cover of night to do their work.

Iron Goat Trail Tunnels – Central Cascades, Washington

Built over the abandoned Pacific Northern Railroad this amazing 6-mile tunnel is one of the largest abandoned places in Washington. It is about 60 miles northeast of Seattle in the Cascades. Originally it was designed to be used to protect against harsh snowstorms. Today it is unsafe to travel through but a safe viewing area has been set up for hikers to view the tunnel.

Northern State Mental Hospital – Sedro-Woolley, Washington

At its peak, the Northern State Mental Hospital employed 1,000 people. It also housed more than 2,000 patients diagnosed with mental illnesses. All on a 225-acre campus. The asylum closed its doors in 1973 and now houses a job corp organization and drug rehab center, but many of the old buildings are deteriorating and covered in graffiti. Nearby an old and eerie cemetery haunts the grounds.