Ghost Town Gulch
Ghost Town Gulch
3.5
About
Roll through desert, mountain, ranches, and canyons: a 42.7-mile trail for the advanced biker.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles30 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
13
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3

Melissa W
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Family
Not safe for dogs or small children. Locals let their dogs run free and charge children, people, and other dogs.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

madsigntist
42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
If you like going back in time and walk about historic sights of 19th centuiy Western towns don't miss Shaniko, Oregon. Easy to get to. It's right off Highway 97, about a half hour drive (roughly 40 miles) north of Madras, Or. The hotel is being rennovated and soon you will have the opportuniy to take in lodging. The caretakers of Shaniko (Sheep Town) are very affable and love to reveal wonderful stories. While you are there be sure to stop in the old jail/marshall's office, see the jail wagon out nearby, and visit the building housing old cars. These are just some of the fun things to enjoy, and there is no fee.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

richardfsjr
Portland, OR72 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
This is not a Ghost Town and more or less a tourist trap. They have some old buildings which are nice to see but no way to get inside and look around. There are businesses here in some of the older buildings that sell antiques and other stuff which is all over priced. It's worth a stop if your in the area but I wouldn't go out of your way to get here.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SeattleWonderer
Seattle, WA48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Family
Stopped here for a bathroom stop for my son - but I was glad to have a nice place to take a stroll and wonder through the preserved town. There are public bathrooms (donation box outside to help keep them open). I bought an iced coffee a couple doors down. They have a nice expresso machine. There is a nice picnic area. Seems like they could use the business and company. Stop by!
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RissaMarissa
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Family
I wouldnt call it a ghost town, more of an old town that's been preserved. Nothing was open to view. Seems like it's all still being used by locals. A few old building not being used but not at all what we were expecting for the drive with three kids. The car museum was depressing more of a barn filled with nice vehicles that could be restored or in a quality museum that are rotting away.
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kathy b
Silverton, OR12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Family
Shaniko is an old ghost town on Hwy.97 between Madras and Biggs Oregon. There are a lot of the old buildings still standing and the conservation committee has done a fine job of posting the history of the town. You can also find information at the old museum. It's a good place to stop off for an ice cream cone and wander around to stretch your legs. Take som funny photos at the old jail and get aglimpse into the past. Shaniko made it's start and ptospered in sheep and wool until the railroad pulled out. That's when everybody left, but they still have a population of 26!
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

richard g
Portland, OR794 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Family
The history of Shaniko was interesting and they have tried to preserve and depict the era. In 1900, according to historical records, they were the biggest producer of wool for the country and arranged for a train to help deliver their goods. Our grandkids were interested and fascinated
Written 18 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michelle W
14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Family
There has been some attempt to turn this into another tourist trap, but you can still just wander around the town and see some real history. It's a great place to take photos. Just be careful of the rickety wood sidewalks, and be aware that there are "No Pets" signs everywhere.
When we visited, on Memorial Day, everything was closed, but it made it easier to take photos without other cars and people around.
Written 12 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy L
San Francisco, CA70 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Couples
stopped on the way towards the John Day river; another guide book had suggested stopping here.
Interesting to take a moment to wander the streets.
Written 4 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hazel L
Corvallis, OR466 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Couples
We have been to Shaniko a couple times this month. It's an interesting stop and would be a fun place to be on their summer festival weekends. For now, it is truly off-season. The store, Shaniko Trader, is open and there is a Porta-Pot if one needs a restroom.

In early Oct. when we were there, there was a "garage sale" in the lot next door. It was wrapped up when we were there later in the month.

You are free to wander around town, look in windows, etc. At one time there was a barn full of very old cars. We were told that they have gradually been sold off.

If purchasing an item in the collectible part of the store (in the back) be very careful of your purchase. I purchased a few pieces of American Fostoria and was assured that they were the old glassware. When I got home and washed one of the items, I found that the lid was Amerian Fostoria but the pedestal candy dish was a knockoff. It was my own fault as I should have been more careful and less trusting.
Written 2 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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GHOST TOWN GULCH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)