If walls could talk, Clifton would never shut up. Lucky for visitors, they mostly just stand there. Clifton Nesmith McArthur (June 10, 1879 – December 9, 1923) was a U.S. representative from Oregon, and grandson of Senator James Willis Nesmith.
Clatsop County County holds 6 documented ghost towns, including Bradwood, Clatsop Plains, Fort Clatsop — Clifton keeps them company on the map.
The story of Clifton
Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.
Clifton Nesmith McArthur (June 10, 1879 – December 9, 1923) was a U.S. representative from Oregon, and grandson of Senator James Willis Nesmith. His father was a member of the Oregon Supreme Court, and Clifton twice served as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Clifton is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Clifton is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Clifton is roughly 46.2110, -123.4634 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Clifton FAQs
01Where is Clifton located?
02What county is Clifton in?
03What is the history of Clifton?
04What remains at Clifton today?
05Can you visit Clifton?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Clifton N. McArthur”), CC BY-SA.
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