Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Alaska

Makushin

A ghost town of unknown status in Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Makushin ghost town, Alaska
Photo: GarciaB~commonswiki (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Alaska
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Makushin. The Makushin Volcano (also known as Mount Makushin) is an ice-covered stratovolcano located on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands of the U.S. state of Alaska.

Aleutians West Census Area County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Attu, Biorka, Chernofski — Makushin keeps them company on the map.

The story of Makushin

Alaska's ghost towns are the most extreme on the continent — total commitment, total abandonment, everything preserved by the cold.

The Makushin Volcano (also known as Mount Makushin) is an ice-covered stratovolcano located on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands of the U.S. state of Alaska. With an elevation of 2,036 meters (6,680 ft), its summit is the highest point on the island. Makushin is one of the most active among the 52 historically active volcanoes of Alaska. It has erupted at least two dozen times over the past several thousand years, with the last eruption occurring in 1995.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Makushin 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 Makushin 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.

Makushin FAQs

Where is Makushin located?
Makushin is in Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Makushin in?
Makushin sits in Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska. See our full guide to ghost towns in Aleutians West Census Area County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Makushin?
The Makushin Volcano (also known as Mount Makushin) is an ice-covered stratovolcano located on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands of the U.S. state of Alaska. With an elevation of 2,036 meters (6,680 ft), its summit is the highest point on the island.
What remains at Makushin today?
The on-the-ground condition of Makushin 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.
Can you visit Makushin?
Here's the honest truth: access to Makushin 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.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Makushin Volcano”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Aleutians West Census Area County

See all 5 ghost towns in Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska