6 Old-Timey Mining Towns In Washington

There is something magical about discovering a quiet little town where a sense of nostalgia takes you back to simpler times. Washington’s mountains and valleys are dotted with lovely towns where weather-worn wooden façades and warm red brick buildings reflect the humble beginnings of many a mining town. Gold, coal, and sandstone extraction once played a major role in Washington’s early economy, with mining activity spreading from the Cascades to the state’s northeastern highlands in the late nineteenth century. While dozens left nothing but abandoned ghost towns behind, others reinvented themselves and went on to live in better days. Here are six old-timey mining towns in Washington that lived to tell their boom-bust-boom stories.

Roslyn

Roslyn's coal mines fueled the Northern Pacific Railroad trains, ensuring steady employment for English, Italian, and Slavic immigrants during the mid-1880s. Just 80 miles east of Seattle, this sleepy little town has old-timey written all over it. Fans of the 1990s sleeper series, Northern Exposure, will recognize Roslyn's main drag. Although it was anything but touristy when Northern Exposure was filmed here, it is now a fun little destination. Movie buffs might walk right past the weather-worn wood exterior of The Roslyn Theatre, looking for a classic vintage movie house. However, the impressive mural of Marlon Brando’s character from The Wild One makes it easier to spot in what was formerly an early 1900s funeral home.

If you love a good read, Basecamp Books & Bites is a quirky little spot offering an all-in-one experience. The bookstore-cum-restaurant-cum-bar is a friendly gathering place where you can shop for books, grab a yummy bite to eat, or have a fireside drink. Discover contemporary luxury at Hotel Roslyn. The boutique hotel’s comfortable accommodations feature high-end amenities, including private patios, in-room kitchenettes, luxurious king-size beds, and spa-inspired bathrooms.

Winthrop

Originally a town for trappers, rumors of gold brought the first white settlers to Winthrop in 1883. Located in the Methow Valley, the former mining town is now a secluded spot offering year-round experiences, often in the town’s most charming historic buildings. Winthrop is a secret foodie destination where you can discover the flavors of locally produced food and drink. The Lost River Winery is a boutique winery sitting on the Lost River in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Visit the tasting room at the edge of town to sample their wines by the glass or flight. Sit under the evergreen trees at Methow Valley Cider House to sample award-winning ciders or enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner with a cold beer. Cider is made from fruit produced at the family’s nearby orchard. Enjoy live music on the patio in the summer or cozy up in the indoor space in the winter.

Beer enthusiasts can find their way to the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, where the craft beers are always cold and flowing. Their riverside patio is an idyllic spot for a satisfying meal, featuring their Greek Lamb Burger, wild-caught Cod in Epiphany Pale batter, and a variety of healthy salads that focus on local ingredients. Finding outstanding pizza in the middle of the Methow Valley is a bonus to visiting Winthrop. East 20 Pizza features dough milled from organic heirloom wheat, house-made pizza sauces, and toppings sourced from local producers.

Wilkeson

Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Wilkeson has a rich coal and sandstone mining history. The iconic 1925 sandstone-and-wood arch welcoming visitors to the gateway to the Carbon Glacier is reminiscent of the vintage signs marking entry into Mount Rainier National Park. Although many of the locally owned attractions shut down for the winter, it is a lovely three-season destination where the scenic Foothills Trail near Mt. Rainier National Park opens up hours of exploration.

The town’s annual Wilkeson National Handcar Races gather people to test their stamina, watch the handcars in action, and join in the festivities. The team that takes the shortest time to reach the end of the 300-foot track wins. According to the Seattle Times, Wilkeson is home to Washington State’s best pizza at The Carlson Block. Baked in a wood-fired oven, the cheese emerges bubbling and golden, with a crust that forms a deep, dark crispness that intensifies the flavor. Pizza is not the only food making a name for Wilkeson. Simple Goodness Soda Shop is a unique tasting room where old-time-inspired soda, coffee, and cocktail classics are reinvented in creative, flavorful ways. Concoctions such as Rhubarb Vanilla Bean margaritas are served alongside a menu of treats like Huckleberry Spruce Tip ice cream sundaes, savory fresh sandwiches, Bavarian soft pretzels, and tasty cheese platters, all enjoyed in a cozy century-plus building.

Republic

Republic has the most consistent record of large gold production in Washington's districts, with the first ore deposits discovered in the early 1890s. When the government opened the northern part of the Colville Indian Reservation for mining in 1896, the boom saw hundreds of new residents arrive. Today, people still visit the Republic area to pan for gold in the surrounding creeks and along the San Poil River. Recreational panning is allowed throughout the area using the same old-timey methods as the original prospectors, with their pans or mini rocker boxes.

The J.W. and Elizabeth Slagle House is the only historic home in town open for tours. The home retains most of its original characteristics from the early 1900s, and even a 1940s kitchen remodel made only a few changes. It is a perfect example of small-town living for middle-class professionals such as Mr. Slagle, who served as the town pharmacist for decades. Find a table at Republic Brewing Company for an eclectic mix of house-crafted beers and soda. Their Soda Crafter uses fresh ingredients to create innovative concoctions with 4 to 6 flavors available in the taproom. Bubbly Champagne Spritzers are a popular choice in the summer, and cold craft beers are on offer throughout the year.

Black Diamond

The Black Diamond Coal Mining Company developed this town in the 1880s, where it operated until the mine shut down after World War I. The town's old-fashioned vibe is captured in establishments like the Black Diamond Bakery, which has used the same recipes and techniques since 1902. Let the aroma of baking bread wash away your worries as you take in the gorgeous, sweet treats on display. You can also treat yourself to a generous serving of comfort food in their restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the garden and mountains.

Follow the old railroad grade to explore Franklin Ghost Town. The trail along the Green River takes you to an abandoned coal cart, mineshaft, cemetery, and powerhouse foundation. However, the scenery is the real attraction here, especially when the fall colors are at their peak. The Green River Gorge Conservation Area offers scenic trails through first-growth evergreens, ground covered in ferns and moss, and trickling waterfalls along towering rock faces. The diverse landscape is sheltered by 300-foot-tall canyon walls, and trails accessed by the Green River Gorge Road bridge take you to the cascading Paradise Falls. Black Diamond Historical Society & Museum is a restored original railroad depot where the first train arrived in town in the 1880s. The designated landmark features two floors of artifacts and displays telling the story of “Black Diamond—King of Coal.”

Leavenworth

Located in the Wenatchee Valley, where Icicle Creek meets the Wenatchee River, Leavenworth held promise for gold and mineral mining in the nearby Blewett Pass. However, the abundance of trees and proximity to the river led to a decline in mining as the lumber industry took hold. The old-timey feel here is pure Alpine charm, with the town’s Bavarian-style façades and German-themed shops and restaurants.

Leavenworth's idyllic location tucked away in the Cascade Mountains was the inspiration for the town's Alpine feel. That European flair is felt throughout the town, where you can browse the unique gift shops for Bavarian-themed items from traditional nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks at Nussknacker Haus & Tannenbaum Shoppe and dine on traditional, homemade Bavarian food and beer while listening to traditional live music at establishments like Andreas Keller Restaurant.

The town is also a popular destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers drawn to the beauty of the surrounding parkland. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Waterfront Park Trail, winding along the Wenatchee River through cool riverbank forests. Be sure to order ahead to sample authentic strudel at the Obertal Inn. Their fresh-baked strudels, served with vanilla caramel sauce, are the real deal, complete with a flaky crust and tender apples.

Mining Tales In Washington’s Small Towns

Washington’s mining towns are filled with new experiences and unexpected discoveries, from the quirky charm of Roslyn to delightful foodie finds in Winthrop, and craft beers, wine, and sodas in Wilkeson and Republic. Additionally, there are opportunities for hiking and exploring history in Black Diamond and Leavenworth. Whether you are up for a spur-of-the-moment road trip, mapping out a self-guided craft beer and wine tour, or escaping to an enchanted Bavarian village, these six old-timey mining towns in Washington will take you on a pleasant journey.