Kings Valley

Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.

Kings Valley is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Benton County, Oregon, United States. It is located on the Luckiamute River and Oregon Route 223, the Kings Valley Highway. As of the 2023 census population estimates it had a population of 147. Kings Valley was named after its first settler, Nahum King, who took out a land claim there in 1846. A flour mill was built in the community in 1853. Kings Valley post office ran from 1855 to 1974. Fort Hoskins Historic Park is nearby, in the former community of Hoskins.

The on-the-ground condition of Kings Valley 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 Kings Valley 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 Kings Valley is roughly 44.7069, -123.4333 — 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.