Ghost Towns: Shaniko, OR

It Doesn't Get Spookier Than This

Spooky Season has arrived!

The wind is chilled, the leaves are changing, and through this period of transition, we find a reinvigorated sense of adventure.

Happy Campers RV Rentals is here to inspire and encourage your newfound Fall feelings! Let's dig into the spirit of the season together, as we take you on a journey to some of the best Ghost Town destinations in Oregon.

It's time to pack up your costumes, consolidate your candy, and hit the open road on a Halloween destination vacation in one of our comfortable RV rentals.

Why Visit Oregon Ghost Towns?

Ghost towns have always been a fascinating subject. Towns are not created with the intent to become vacant.

What celebrations took place in its streets? How did its founders envision the future? What hopes did settlers have when they arrived to a new life?

The first stop on our Oregon Tour of Ghost Towns is none other than Shaniko!

"It is fascinating to walk around and appreciate how much of the town's past is still preserved. Shaniko is a great, tangible lesson in local history that should be added to the list of places to see when exploring Central Oregon."

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of Shaniko
• Shaniko Quick Facts
• Planning Your Visit

A Brief History of Shaniko

Shaniko is a city located in Wasco County, Oregon, United States, about 8 miles north of Antelope. The population was 36 at the 2010 census.

Early Settlement and August Scherneckau

The first European Americans came to the Shaniko area after the discovery of gold in Canyon City, Oregon, in 1862.

One of these settlers was August Scherneckau, who came to the area after the Civil War, in 1874. The spelling of the town's name reflects the local pronunciation of Scherneckau's name.

The town was originally called Cross Hollows.

The Golden Era: Wool Capital of the World

The town's heyday was the first decade of the 20th century when Shaniko served as a transportation hub spurred by the presence of the Columbia Southern Railway.

The city was known as the "Wool Capital of the World", and it was the center of 20,000 square miles of wool, wheat, cattle, and sheep production. No other such center existed east of the Cascade Range in Oregon.

The Decline of Shaniko

By 1911, the Oregon–Washington Railroad and Navigation Company, another Union Pacific subsidiary, began using an alternate route linking Portland to Bend by way of the Deschutes River canyon.

The new line, advertised as the "direct, quick and natural route", diverted traffic from the Columbia Southern, and Shaniko began to decline.

Passenger service to Shaniko ended in the early 1930s, and the entire line was shut down by 1966. By 1982 Shaniko was nearly a ghost town.

Shaniko Quick Facts

1. Population Through the Years

The population of Shaniko as of 2015 is 37 residents.

At its peak, Shaniko housed approximately 495 individuals, but was down to less than half of that population a mere decade later.

Since its inception, the lowest population Shaniko has seen is 26 residents, between 1990 and 2000.

2. Industry and Economic Peak

The residents of Shaniko voted to incorporate Shaniko and elected a mayor, F. T. Hurlbert, and other city officials on January 1, 1902.

It was Wasco County's fifth largest city, boasting the largest wool warehouse in the state, from which 4 million pounds (1.8 kt) were marketed in 1901.

It was surrounded by cattle ranches, which produced livestock for shipment that filled 400 railroad cars that year.

3. Shaniko Today: A Living Museum

Each year in August, Shaniko Days attracts as many as four hundred people on a weekend.

The Shaniko Preservation Guild, organized in 2004, operates a museum, hosts an annual Wool Gathering, and sponsors the annual Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree and the Ragtime and Vintage Music Festival.

In 2010, Shaniko had thirty-six residents.

Planning Your RV Trip to Shaniko

Visiting Shaniko is the perfect fall RV adventure for history buffs and those seeking unique Oregon destinations.

What to Bring

• Camera equipment for capturing historic buildings and landscapes
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the town
• Layered clothing for changing Central Oregon weather
• Snacks and water as amenities are limited
• Full fuel tank before arriving

Best RVs for Your Ghost Town Adventure

Our 2024 Entegra Ethos 20D is perfect for navigating rural Oregon roads while providing comfortable accommodations.

For larger groups, consider the spacious 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 3250DS LE with plenty of room for the whole family.

Nearby Attractions and Camping

While Shaniko itself has limited services, nearby areas offer excellent camping opportunities:

• The Dalles - 45 miles north with full RV facilities
• Prineville Reservoir State Park - scenic camping 60 miles south
• Maupin - river access and outdoor recreation 25 miles northwest

For more information about planning your Oregon RV adventure, contact our team at Happy Campers RV Rentals.

Make the Most of Your Ghost Town Tour

Shaniko is just one of many fascinating Oregon ghost towns worth exploring.

Consider extending your trip to visit other historic sites throughout Central Oregon. Our 2025 Thor Freedom Traveler A32 provides the perfect home base for multi-day adventures.

Ready to start your spooky season adventure? Browse our full selection of available RV rentals and book your Oregon ghost town tour today!