Ghost Towns in Alaska
17 documented ghost towns
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History
Alaska's ghost towns emerged from gold rushes and copper mining. Harsh winters and depleted resources left many communities abandoned in the wilderness.
Regions: Interior • Southeast • Southcentral
All Ghost Towns
Afognak
Afognak was a Russian-Alutiiq village on Afognak Island. The 1964 earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that destroyed the village. Residents relocat...
Chitina
Chitina was a railroad terminus for the Copper River & Northwestern Railway serving the Kennecott copper mines. Today, about 120 people live here. It'...
Dyea
Dyea was a boomtown of 8,000 at the start of the Chilkoot Trail during the Klondike Gold Rush. When the White Pass railroad chose rival Skagway instea...
Hope
Hope was Alaska's first gold rush town, predating the Klondike. The 1896 gold rush brought 3,000 prospectors. Today, about 200 residents remain. The t...
Iditarod
Iditarod was a gold rush boomtown of 10,000 people at its peak. The town died when gold gave out. The famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is named for...
Independence Mine
Independence Mine was a hard-rock gold operation at 3,500 feet in the Talketnas. Now a state historical park, visitors can explore restored bunkhouses...
Kanakanak
Kanakanak was established as a tuberculosis hospital for Alaska Natives. The historic hospital complex treated patients from across Alaska. A modern h...
Kennecott
Kennecott was one of the richest copper mines in the world. The massive 14-story concentration mill and support buildings stand against the backdrop o...
McCarthy
McCarthy was a supply town for the Kennecott copper mines. Access is via the 60-mile McCarthy Road followed by a footbridge across the Kennicott River...
Old Minto
Old Minto was an Athabascan village on the Tanana River that flooded repeatedly in the 1960s. The Bureau of Indian Affairs relocated the entire commun...
Portage
Portage was a small railroad settlement. During the 1964 earthquake (magnitude 9.2), the land subsided 6-10 feet, allowing high tides to flood the tow...
Portlock
Portlock was abandoned because residents believed a monster was killing them. The 'Nantiinaq'—a Bigfoot-like creature in Alutiiq mythology—was blamed ...
Ruby
Ruby was a gold rush town on the Yukon River that peaked at 1,000 residents. About 160 remain, mostly Athabascan. Ruby is an Iditarod Trail checkpoint...
Skagway
Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush—20,000 people passed through in 1898 alone. Controlled by infamous con man Soapy Smith until he was ...
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a quirky town that served as inspiration for the TV show 'Northern Exposure.' A cat named Stubbs was the honorary mayor from 1997-2017. I...
Whittier
Whittier was a secret WWII military port built beneath the glaciers of Prince William Sound. After the war, the military left, but civilians moved int...
Wiseman
Wiseman is an old gold mining settlement above the Arctic Circle, accessible via the Dalton Highway. About 11 hardy residents remain year-round. Histo...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Alaska?
We have documented 17 ghost towns in Alaska. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Alaska safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Alaska?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.