Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Oregon

Placer

A ghost town of unknown status in Josephine County County, Oregon.

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

Quick Facts

State
Oregon
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Placer doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Placer is an unincorporated community in Josephine County, Oregon, United States, on Grave Creek a few miles east of Interstate 5. Established during the local gold mining boom, it is considered a ghost town.

Josephine County County holds 8 documented ghost towns, including All Hours, Browntown, Golden — Placer keeps them company on the map.

The story of Placer

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

Placer is an unincorporated community in Josephine County, Oregon, United States, on Grave Creek a few miles east of Interstate 5. Established during the local gold mining boom, it is considered a ghost town.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Placer 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 Placer 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.

Placer FAQs

Where is Placer located?
Placer is in Josephine County County, Oregon. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Placer in?
Placer sits in Josephine County County, Oregon. See our full guide to ghost towns in Josephine County County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Placer?
Placer is an unincorporated community in Josephine County, Oregon, United States, on Grave Creek a few miles east of Interstate 5. Established during the local gold mining boom, it is considered a ghost town.
What remains at Placer today?
The on-the-ground condition of Placer 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 Placer?
Here's the honest truth: access to Placer 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 (“Placer, Oregon”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Josephine County County

See all 8 ghost towns in Josephine County County, Oregon