Portland, Oregon, known for its vibrant arts scene, lush green spaces, and unique culture, also holds a number of abandoned places that tell stories of the city’s past. From old industrial sites to forgotten theaters and eerie ghost towns, these places provide a haunting glimpse into a different side of Portland’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Portland for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Wapato Jail
Built in 2004 but never fully used, Wapato Jail is one of Portland’s most well-known abandoned structures. The state-of-the-art jail was meant to house overflow inmates, but due to political and financial challenges, it was left vacant. The massive facility, with its unused cells and hallways, stands as a reminder of misallocated resources. Though it was recently purchased for redevelopment, it remains an iconic abandoned site in the city.
2. The Lovejoy Ramp
The Lovejoy Ramp was a part of the original viaduct that connected the Pearl District to downtown Portland. It was abandoned in the 1990s and left to decay for several years. Before it was demolished in 2015, the ramp had become a canvas for graffiti artists and a spot for urban explorers. Its crumbling concrete and overgrown surroundings made it a popular haunt for those looking to capture the beauty of urban decay.
3. The Fairview Training Center (Salem, Oregon)
Located just outside of Portland, the Fairview Training Center was once a state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities. Opened in the early 1900s, it was closed in 2000 due to allegations of abuse and neglect. The abandoned buildings, with their broken windows, overgrown grounds, and decaying infrastructure, offer a haunting atmosphere. Though parts of the facility have been demolished, many of the structures remain, drawing explorers interested in the site’s dark history.
4. The Oaks Park Dance Pavilion
Oaks Park, a historic amusement park along the Willamette River, still operates today, but its Dance Pavilion was left abandoned for years. Once a popular venue for dances and concerts in the early 20th century, the pavilion fell into disuse and decay. The wooden floors and ornate railings have weathered over time, creating an eerie but nostalgic setting. While restoration efforts have been made, it remains a testament to Portland’s entertainment past.
5. Lone Fir Cemetery (Abandoned Sections)
Although Lone Fir Cemetery is still in operation, certain sections of the cemetery have been left overgrown and forgotten. Established in 1855, it’s one of Portland’s oldest cemeteries, and some graves are neglected, with crumbling tombstones and overgrown vegetation creating a melancholic atmosphere. The cemetery’s older, less-maintained areas offer a peaceful yet haunting exploration experience for history buffs and those interested in Portland’s early residents.
6. Blue Heron Paper Mill (Oregon City)
The Blue Heron Paper Mill, located just outside Portland in Oregon City, was once a major player in the region’s paper industry. Closed in 2011 after more than a century of operation, the mill was left abandoned. Its rusting machinery, crumbling buildings, and graffiti-covered walls have since become a popular spot for urban explorers. The mill’s location near Willamette Falls adds to its haunting beauty.
7. Montgomery Ward Building (Old Sections)
The Montgomery Ward Building in Northwest Portland was once a bustling department store and warehouse complex. Though parts of the building have been renovated and repurposed, certain sections remain abandoned. The empty floors, broken windows, and decaying walls of the unused areas offer a glimpse into Portland’s commercial history.
8. Bagdad Theatre (Abandoned Upper Floors)
The Bagdad Theatre, built in 1927, remains a functional movie theater in Southeast Portland, but its upper floors have been left abandoned for decades. These forgotten areas include old offices, empty projection rooms, and crumbling staircases. The theater’s ornate interior still echoes the grandeur of its past, and the abandoned upper sections add an eerie contrast to the bustling cinema below.
9. The Commodore Hotel
The Commodore Hotel, once a vibrant hotel in downtown Portland, has been abandoned for years. The building, with its boarded-up windows and decaying facade, stands as a relic of Portland’s past. Though closed to the public and slated for future redevelopment, the Commodore’s deteriorating condition continues to draw attention from urban explorers and photographers.
10. Vanport (Abandoned Ghost Town)
Once Oregon’s second-largest city, Vanport was a wartime housing project built during World War II to house shipyard workers. Tragically, the entire city was destroyed in a massive flood in 1948. Today, the area where Vanport once stood is abandoned, with little more than scattered remnants of its former existence. Overgrown fields and the occasional foundation are all that remain of this ghost town, offering a haunting reminder of a lost city.
Conclusion
Portland’s abandoned places reveal a hidden side of the city, telling stories of industrial decline, lost communities, and forgotten entertainment venues. These locations provide an eerie yet fascinating exploration experience for those interested in urban decay and history. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Portland’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into its hidden history.
