Quick Facts
- State
- Oregon
- County
- Wasco County County
- Status
- Unknown Status
- Access
- Unknown Access
- Coordinates
- Not recorded
Kingsley isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Kingsley was an unincorporated community in Wasco County, Oregon, United States, named by E.M. Wilson in 1878. Wilson named it for Charles Kingsley, because she had enjoyed reading his book Westward Ho!.
Wasco County County holds 8 documented ghost towns, including Boyd, Cross Hollows, Dufur — Kingsley keeps them company on the map.
The story of Kingsley
Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.
Kingsley was an unincorporated community in Wasco County, Oregon, United States, named by E.M. Wilson in 1878. Wilson named it for Charles Kingsley, because she had enjoyed reading his book Westward Ho!. It was located just north of Tygh Valley. Nothing remains at the site today except a cemetery.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Kingsley 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 Kingsley 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.
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.
Kingsley FAQs
Where is Kingsley located?
What county is Kingsley in?
What is the history of Kingsley?
What remains at Kingsley today?
Can you visit Kingsley?
Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Kingsley, Oregon”), CC BY-SA.