Franklin Ghost Town and Green River Gorge
Explore the remnants of a 19th-century coal mining town, with a deep mine shaft and overgrown cemetery, set against the rugged beauty of the Green Riv...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Franklin Ghost Town and Green River Gorge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a 19th-century coal mining town, with a deep mine shaft and overgrown cemetery, set against the rugged beauty of the Green River Gorge.
"Be ready to earn it; discovering relics makes the effort well worth it for history lovers."
Wear Long Pants! 👖
Blackberries and brambles are abundant. Protect your legs or you'll make a 'blood sacrifice'!
Sturdy Footwear is Key 👟
The trail gets rough and overgrown. Good hiking boots are essential for stability.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Remnants of the Past
Along the main trail
Discover old mine carts, stone foundations, and a deep coal mine shaft, offering a glimpse into Franklin's mining history.
1800s Cemetery
End of the main trail
Explore an overgrown cemetery, a poignant reminder of the town's early settlers and their lives.
Green River Gorge Views
Along the river trail (if accessible)
Enjoy scenic views of the powerful Green River, though access to river trails can be challenging.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & What to Wear
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
franklin ghost town trail
Wear Long Pants! 👖
Blackberries and brambles are abundant. Protect your legs or you'll make a 'blood sacrifice'!
Sturdy Footwear is Key 👟
The trail gets rough and overgrown. Good hiking boots are essential for stability.
Join me on May 21st for a free guided tour of the Franklin Ghost Town!
Ghost towns
Bring Cash for Parking 💰
If the lot is open, it's $5 cash only. Discovery Pass not accepted.
Navigate with Caution 🧭
Trail forks can be confusing. Look for signs and be prepared for rough terrain.
Franklin WA, My favorite place in all of Washington
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Long Pants! 👖
Blackberries and brambles are abundant. Protect your legs or you'll make a 'blood sacrifice'!
Sturdy Footwear is Key 👟
The trail gets rough and overgrown. Good hiking boots are essential for stability.
Bring Cash for Parking 💰
If the lot is open, it's $5 cash only. Discovery Pass not accepted.
Navigate with Caution 🧭
Trail forks can be confusing. Look for signs and be prepared for rough terrain.
Be Prepared for Spiders 🕷️
Expect to walk through spider webs, especially in overgrown sections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Franklin Ghost Town a fascinating historical site with remnants of its mining past, including an old cemetery and mine shaft. However, be prepared for very overgrown and rough trails, especially past the mine. Parking can be confusing, and the site is not well-maintained, making it more of an adventure hike than a casual walk.
"A neat place to see some early history, hopefully the site can be better restored and maintained. Plan on doing more hiking than you might expect... Some cool stuff to look at but yeah, it was more of a hike and less of a nice flat walk, getting to the cemetery was mostly uphill...the cemetery was cool but mostly overgrown so not much to really see. We wanted to take a 2nd trail to go down by the river, but the path was not "easy" and we decided against it as I thought I would go sliding downhill. We got there before 11am and the "parking lot" was supposed to open at 11am but wasn't open when we left at noon. There is a little streetside parking nearby."
Pam Hallock
"Franklin Ghost Town Trail is a fascinating slice of history, but be ready to earn it. The overgrown route led me past the remains of an old Ming cart, a coal mine with a 1,300‑foot shaft and I spotted suspended tracks, ending at an 1800s cemetery. Trail conditions were rough, brambles everywhere forced me to use gardening shears and literally perform a bit of trail restoration. Along the way I made a blood sacrifice to the Blackberry Gods (wear long pants). For anyone who loves history and isn’t afraid to get a little messy, discovering the relics of the mining era makes the effort well worth it.
-🥾Trail Condition: I’m breaking this up into two sections. First half was easy. Well maintained. Gravel path that’s 2 people wide. The second half, past the mine shaft, is when the trail because rough. Not good for those with mobility issues. Extremely overgrown with blackberries (wear long pants if you don’t want to make a blood sacrifice). LOTS of spider webs to walk through and found several in myself. There is one section where the trail is degrading down the mountain.
-🧗♀️Incline: 10-15%. Easy for the average hiker.
-🚗Parking: Lot could hold 50 cars. Fee required $5 cash only. Discovery Pass not accepted. The parking lot was confusing. There was a gate preventing entrance with a sign saying hours were 7am to 9pm. This was at 10am and the gate was closed. It does t look like anyone is closely monitoring this site.
-🧍🏽Popularity: didn’t see anyone else (Thursday at 10am)
-☀️Sun: 50% shade
-🦋Insects: spiders
-🚽Bathrooms: none
-📲Cell Phone: 1 bar the whole time (Verizon)
-🐇Wildlife: none
-🌿Plants: Wild Teasel"
Alex K
"This was more of a survival hike than a casual nature walk. Between the old graves, the sound of distant gunshots, and spotting a black snake on the trail—we decided to turn back and play it safe. Found a peaceful river spot and called that our win for the day. Definitely not what we expected, and honestly a bit spooky. Not for the faint of heart!"
Fathiya Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Franklin Ghost Town is located near Black Diamond, Washington. The trailhead can be a bit confusing to find. From the gravel parking lot, head past the orange gate towards the old box car. From there, look for the path leading to the mine shaft.
There is a parking lot that can hold about 50 cars, with a $5 cash-only fee. However, the gate may be closed even during posted hours. Street-side parking nearby is also an option.
Specific driving directions can vary, but it's generally accessed via roads near Black Diamond, WA. Using a GPS with the general area and then following signs or local advice upon arrival is recommended.
Public transport options are very limited for this remote location. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Upon reaching the gravel lot, proceed past the orange gate to find the old box car. The trail to the mine shaft begins from this area. Be aware that signage can be minimal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the parking lot has a fee of $5, payable in cash only. A Discovery Pass is not accepted.
The parking lot is posted with hours of 7 am to 9 pm, but the gate may be closed even during these times. The site itself is generally accessible when the parking is open.
No, advance booking is not required. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, especially if you are relying on street parking.
The trail is generally open, but access can be affected by parking lot gate hours and seasonal trail conditions. It's advisable to check recent visitor reports if possible.
No specific discounts are mentioned for Franklin Ghost Town. The fee is a flat rate for parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail starts as an easy, well-maintained gravel path but becomes rough and extremely overgrown past the mine shaft. Expect brambles, spider webs, and uneven terrain.
Yes, the trail leads to an 1800s cemetery. However, it is largely overgrown and can be difficult to navigate.
Due to the rough, overgrown, and potentially hazardous trail conditions, it may not be ideal for families with very young children or those with mobility issues.
You can see remnants of an old mine cart, stone foundations, and a deep coal mine shaft. The cemetery also offers historical context.
No, there are no bathrooms available at the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the eerie atmosphere of the overgrown cemetery, the industrial remnants like the mine cart, and the deep mine shaft. The surrounding natural landscape also offers scenic shots.
Exercise extreme caution near the mine shaft. It is a deep, abandoned shaft and the surrounding area can be unstable. Do not venture too close.
Morning light can be good for illuminating the trail and historical elements, while late afternoon might offer softer light. Be mindful of the 50% shade mentioned by visitors.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local park or land management rules before flying a drone in this area.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the landscape and remnants. A macro lens might be good for details on historical artifacts. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical remnants like the mine cart and cemetery are fascinating, the lack of clear signage and the ruggedness of the trail might make it difficult for very young children or those with strollers. Consider it an adventure hike rather than a casual park visit. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is also recommended.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
Be prepared for a hands-on exploration. The trail's condition means you'll be actively engaging with the environment to uncover these historical clues. It's a chance to step back in time and imagine life in a 19th-century mining town, but with the understanding that nature has reclaimed much of the site.
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Be aware that 'nature' here includes abundant blackberries and spider webs, so come prepared with appropriate gear. For hikers seeking a less-trafficked and more challenging trail with a historical twist, Franklin Ghost Town can be a rewarding outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Franklin Ghost Town
The town's fortunes eventually declined as mining operations ceased and residents moved on, leaving behind a ghost town that now serves as a historical site. Visitors can explore the remnants of this past, including an old cemetery that tells the stories of the people who lived and worked there. The site is a fascinating, albeit sometimes challenging, exploration of Washington's frontier history.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
This rugged terrain means it's not suitable for those with mobility issues or those seeking a leisurely stroll. The incline can be around 10-15%, which is manageable for most hikers, but the overgrown conditions and potential for slippery slopes require careful footing. Some reviewers have even mentioned performing impromptu trail maintenance with gardening shears.
Accessing specific points of interest, like the cemetery or river trails, can be particularly confusing due to a lack of clear signage. It's recommended to pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared for a more adventurous hike than initially expected.
The Green River Gorge Experience
For those who manage to find accessible points, the gorge provides a stark contrast to the historical remnants of the ghost town. The powerful flow of the Green River and the surrounding natural landscape offer a sense of wildness and tranquility. It's a reminder of the natural environment that coexisted with the industrial activities of the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit