Liberty Ghost Town
Central CascadesBest Apr–Oct
Gold rush era roadside stop near Blewett Pass with interpretive displays and historic buildings.
About This Trail
Liberty Ghost Town is a roadside historical site, not a hike. The "trail" is an informal wander around the remains of a gold mining settlement near Blewett Pass in Kittitas County. Gold was discovered here in 1867 by Newton and Benton Goodwin, and a strike in 1873 triggered a small rush. The town, originally called Meaghersville after miner Thomas Meagher, was renamed Liberty in 1892 when the post office rejected the name Swauk. It landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
A few historic buildings, mining equipment, and interpretive displays are scattered across the site. Some residents still live here, making this a "living ghost town." There is a bathroom/museum building. The walking is flat and minimal, covering maybe a mile of informal paths and road edges.
This works best as a quick leg-stretcher on a drive over Blewett Pass or paired with other nearby trails like Tronsen Ridge or Swauk Forest Discovery Trail. It is not a destination in itself for hiking purposes.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“My kids picked up the flu from school and passed it on to me so a leisurely walk and drive around Blewett Pass seemed to be a low key option to lie low while also exploring some nature.”
Last report: May 19, 2025
Scorecard
Occasional visitors stopping during drives over Blewett Pass. Never crowded.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Getting There
Roadside parking on Liberty Road. No fee. No formal lot.
From Cle Elum, drive north on WA-970 approximately 15.5 miles, turn right on Liberty Road for about 1.5 miles.
Recent Reports
My kids picked up the flu from school and passed it on to me so a leisurely walk and drive around Blewett Pass seemed to be a low key option to lie low while also exploring some nature. Liberty Ghost town isn’t really a hike as much as a roadside attraction on the way to other things the historical markers and bathroom/museum are interesting.
As others have said, this isn't really a hike. Or a ghost town.
I was in the area for a work retreat and decided to check out Liberty Ghost Town this morning. It’s definitely not a destination hike and as others have said, it’s not really a hike.
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