Nelson

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

W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site is a state park in Lincoln County, western Oregon. It is on the lower Alsea River, near the coastal city of Waldport. The park is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

The on-the-ground condition of Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson is roughly 44.4151, -124.0357 — 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.