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.

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.

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. The mapped point for Kingsley is roughly 45.3411, -121.2006 — 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.