McGowan

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

McGowan was a stop on the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company's narrow gauge line that ran on the Long Beach Peninsula in Pacific County, Washington, United States from 1889 to 1930. In the late 19th century, P.J. McGowan bought land in the area for $1,200, and built his house, a dock and a salmon cannery on the site. During the railroad times, the main line and a passing siding ran through McGowan. McGowan is just west of the north end of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The only prominent structure remaining is the old wooden Roman Catholic church.

The on-the-ground condition of McGowan 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 McGowan 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.

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.