A Ghost Town Doggy Adventure
At first glance, wandering through a haunted ghost town and the remains of an abandoned asylum might not seem like the ideal outing for dog lovers—unless your pups have a taste for the paranormal. Yet, to my delight (and slight relief), the wide, welcoming trails of Northern State Ghost Town in Sedro Woolley proved to be an unexpected gem for adventures with my two little companions, Maui and Diesel. For fellow photographers, this place offers the kind of edgy scenery that makes even the most well-behaved camera lens shutter (lol a little photographer joke)!
Come feel the creepy vibes at Northern State Ghost Town.
Diesel's got a bad case of little dog syndrome, barking up a storm at every pooch we pass on our escapades. Not exactly the recipe for a chill outing. But fear not! The trails at the ghost town are like a dog's dream runway—wide, flat, and spacious enough to dodge canine confrontations. If your pup's a social distance champ, this is the perfect spot. But if you’re the type who loves a mountain to conquer and a thigh-busting hike to boast about, you might want to keep searching. These grounds are more like a lazy Sunday saunter, perfect for a leisurely leg stretch.
Cuteness in a creepy place.
The experience of photographing my energetic pups against the backdrop of graffiti-covered ruins was both a workout and a comedy routine, especially without an assistant to wrangle the talent. Where else can you chase ghosts and tennis balls in the same afternoon? The spooky history paired with my dogs’ antics turned an ordinary walk into an unforgettable adventure.
When you have to be both photographer and photographer’s assistant at a dog photoshoot.
After our adventure, we headed straight to Otter Beans coffee stand, a 15 minute drive away and a must-stop for anyone traveling with pups. As always, Maui and Diesel downed their Pup Cups with the enthusiasm of dogs who think every treat is their last, while I treated myself to a kettle corn latte—an unexpectedly delicious pick for anyone who thinks kettle corn isn’t their thing. Otter Beans boasts some of the most inventive flavors and delicious treats I’ve ever tried—seriously, their menu is worth the little detour!
Whether you’re drawn by the haunted ruins, the lively trails, or just the promise of a great cup of coffee, this hidden gem creates a one-of-a-kind adventure for both two- and four-legged explorers. I left with exhausted pups, a camera full of memories, and plenty of reasons to return.