Ghost-Town Hikes for Families in Western Washington

Begin your trip to the former coal boom town of Franklin with a stop at the museum in Black Diamond, about 45 minutes from Seattle. Though small, the museum is packed with relics of the area, including pictures of the men and women who walked on the long-abandoned paths you’ll be exploring. My children were fascinated by the old mining tools. Be sure to check the displays outside, which include a restored locomotive with a bell to clang and a horn to sound. Admission here is free, though donations are welcome.

Franklin town site: After you’ve primed the troops for your adventure, head just a few miles out of town on Lawson Street, which turns into Green River Gorge. The entrance to the town site is right before the bridge across the gorge, marked by a chain link fence. Find parking at the cemetery and walk back approximately a quarter of a mile, being careful of traffic on this curvy, two-lane road. The fence looks intimidating, but Washington State Parks now owns the Franklin historical area, and there is an easement allowing you to use the short, gravel section between the chain link fence and the yellow gate with state parks signage that marks the start of your hike. 

The hike: From here, you’ll head up a wide, gravel road. At the top of the hill you’ll see an old coal cart and signs. There are a few pieces of old foundation just down the road to the right, which leads into what was once the main part of the town. This is Palmer Coking Company property, but they are happy to issue you a permit at their offices. Note that they’re only open on the weekdays, so plan ahead if you’d like to do this.

Mineshaft and cemetery: Alternatively, stay on state parks land by heading left at the coal cart and following the sign that points toward the cemetery. You’ll first come to a sealed and gated mine shaft. My children were wowed by its depth and enjoyed dropping rocks through the grating.

Just behind you is a narrow path that will lead to the cemetery. It’s a pretty, wooded trail, though it is overgrown in some sections and muddy in others. Eventually, you’ll see the remains of an old wooden trestle on the right. Shortly after that, you’ll see the first stone grave markers honoring former residents who died more than 100 years ago. Look for a short path to the right to find a small, fenced section around more tombstones, along with signage.

If you’d like a longer adventure or more of a true hike, pick up a permit and scramble up some of the hills on Palmer Coking Company land for impressive views of the Green River Gorge.

Getting there: The museum is in Black Diamond, approximately 45 minutes from Seattle. Take I-5 to 405 towards Renton. At Exit 4 take WA 169 towards Maple Valley/Enumclaw and continue following 169. The museum also hosts guided tours a couple of times during the year, if this outing sounds too ambitious for a do-it-yourself adventure.

This hike is also well described in “Hiking Through History Washington” by Nathan Barnes and Jeremy Barnes. 

Pair with: Finish your hike with a stop at the Black Diamond Bakery. It’s just down the street from the museum. Try the pie!

Next trails: More history hikes

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