It’s not every day you get to take a walk back in time, but that’s what happens when you visit Franklin Ghost Town just outside of Black Diamond.
A Little Franklin Ghost Town History
Located about 37 miles from downtown Seattle, Franklin was once a bustling coal-mining town. The community was established in the 1880s, before Washington was even a state, and by 1919 nearly all mining in Franklin had ceased and most residents had left. Mining later returned to the area from the late 1940s through 1971.
The darkest moment in Franklin’s history came on August 24, 1894, when 37 miners died after a fire in the mine. It remains one of the worst mining disasters in Washington history.
For a much deeper dive into Franklin’s history, check out this history of Franklin Ghost Town from Black Diamond History.
Exploring Franklin Ghost Town
Today, Franklin Ghost Town is an overgrown, green hillside where remnants of the old mining community can still be found.
From the trailhead, a gentle old railroad grade leads toward the former townsite. Along the way, you’ll find an old coal cart, a sealed mine shaft, building foundations and the Franklin cemetery.
There’s something fun about walking through the woods and trying to imagine what this place looked like when it was a bustling mining community.
According to the Washington Trails Association, the hike through Franklin Ghost Town is about 2.5 miles round trip with around 200 feet of elevation gain. It’s a relatively easy walk, with the Green River rushing nearby.
Is Franklin Ghost Town Worth Visiting?
Franklin Ghost Town isn’t the kind of ghost town where you’ll find abandoned buildings lining an old main street. The forest has reclaimed much of the former townsite, so finding these remnants along the trail feels a bit like discovering pieces of the past.
For me, that’s what made Franklin interesting. You’re taking an easy walk through the woods, but along the way, an old coal cart, mine shaft, cemetery and crumbling foundations offer little reminders that an entire community once existed here.
We paired our visit with some time exploring the nearby Green River Gorge, which made for a pretty great day of exploring around Black Diamond.
If you’re interested in Washington history, ghost towns, or simply finding somewhere a little different to explore, Franklin Ghost Town is worth adding to your list.
