Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Washington

Sanderson

A ghost town of unknown status in Douglas County County, Washington.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Sanderson ghost town, Washington
Plate I — Sanderson, WashingtonPhoto: Pi.1415926535 (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Sanderson doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Sanderson Field (IATA: SHN, ICAO: KSHN, FAA LID: SHN) is a public lighted-land airport located in Shelton, a city in Mason County, Washington, United States.

Douglas County County holds 4 documented ghost towns, including Baird, Bonita, Jameson — Sanderson keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Sanderson

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

Sanderson Field (IATA: SHN, ICAO: KSHN, FAA LID: SHN) is a public lighted-land airport located in Shelton, a city in Mason County, Washington, United States. It is located just outside the City of Shelton corporate limits, and is owned and operated by the Port of Shelton. It is bordered on the south by the Mason County Fairgrounds, on the north by a business park and Dayton Airport Road, on the west by the Washington State Patrol Training Academy, and on the east by U.S. Highway 101. The airport was named after Major General Lawson H. M. Sanderson of the United States Marine Corps.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Sanderson 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.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Sanderson 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.

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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.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Sanderson FAQs

01Where is Sanderson located?
Sanderson is in Douglas County County, Washington. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Sanderson in?
Sanderson sits in Douglas County County, Washington. See our full guide to ghost towns in Douglas County County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Sanderson?
Sanderson Field (IATA: SHN, ICAO: KSHN, FAA LID: SHN) is a public lighted-land airport located in Shelton, a city in Mason County, Washington, United States.
04What remains at Sanderson today?
The on-the-ground condition of Sanderson 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.
05Can you visit Sanderson?
Here's the honest truth: access to Sanderson 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: account based on Wikipedia (“Sanderson Field”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Douglas County County

All 4 ghost towns in Douglas County County →