Molson, WA (Image via CL Shebley/Shutterstock)
Are you looking for the ultimate drive to end off summer and kick off fall? Well, we may have just found it, especially if you have a taste for all things abandoned. You can visit the Historic Highlands Loop and see spectacular Washington ghost towns in a drive that is sure to be a blast from our state’s past.
The Historic Highland Loop takes you through several Washington ghost towns and many attractions ranging from museums to fossil hunting. You can either do the whole thing which is 121 miles or break it up into sections for a multi-day trip. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be an incredible experience with a little adventure!
If you want to see all the spots in one place, there’s a map of the Historic Highland Loop that’s been created by Route 97 for your convenience.
One of the coolest stops along the way is Molson, WA. Here you can tour the old town and abandoned schoolhouse. You can also check out the Whistler Canyon Trailhead for hiking and even climbing.
Further into the drive, and among the ghost towns on the route is Chesaw. According to Okanogan Country, “the small town of Chesaw sits in a beautiful valley. With some amenities, this little ghost town is alive with history.”
More history can be seen at the Ansorge Hotel in Curlew, before heading south to Republic to check out the Stonerose Interpretive Center – there you can hunt for fossils and even take them home.
An attraction not to be missed on the route is the ghost town of Bodie. The Historic Highland Loop described this as “a ghost town that was firmly established in 1896. The township has been completely abandoned since 1944 and is a great stop for ghost seekers and history lovers.”
If you have some extra time on your hands this weekend or this fall, consider getting out there and seeing Washington’s past.
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