Frankfort

Washington's ghost towns are mill towns and mining camps in country so green the forest is already taking them back.

Frankfort is a ghost town in Pacific County, Washington on the mouth of the Columbia River near Portuguese Point. First homesteaded in 1876, a planned community was platted by two promoters, Frank Bourne and Frank Scott (whence the name) in 1890. Together they envisioned a resort community at the location. As there were no roads, and access to the area was only by boat, lots were sold on the premise that the railroad would eventually build a line through the community.

Frankfort started with soldiers before it had settlers — the frontier's usual order of operations.

The on-the-ground condition of Frankfort 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.

Here's the honest truth: access to Frankfort 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 Frankfort is roughly 46.2803, -123.7561 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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.