Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Oregon

Clifton

A ghost town of unknown status in Clatsop County County, Oregon.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Clifton ghost town, Oregon
Photo: National Photo Company Collection (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Oregon
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

If walls could talk, Clifton would never shut up. Lucky for visitors, they mostly just stand there. Clifton Nesmith McArthur (June 10, 1879 – December 9, 1923) was a U.S. representative from Oregon, and grandson of Senator James Willis Nesmith.

Clatsop County County holds 6 documented ghost towns, including Bradwood, Clatsop Plains, Fort Clatsop — Clifton keeps them company on the map.

The story of Clifton

Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.

Clifton Nesmith McArthur (June 10, 1879 – December 9, 1923) was a U.S. representative from Oregon, and grandson of Senator James Willis Nesmith. His father was a member of the Oregon Supreme Court, and Clifton twice served as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Clifton is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Clifton is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Clifton FAQs

Where is Clifton located?
Clifton is in Clatsop County County, Oregon. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Clifton in?
Clifton sits in Clatsop County County, Oregon. See our full guide to ghost towns in Clatsop County County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Clifton?
Clifton Nesmith McArthur (June 10, 1879 – December 9, 1923) was a U.S. representative from Oregon, and grandson of Senator James Willis Nesmith.
What remains at Clifton today?
The on-the-ground condition of Clifton is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Clifton?
Here's the honest truth: access to Clifton is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Clifton N. McArthur”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Clatsop County County

See all 6 ghost towns in Clatsop County County, Oregon