Ever been to hell? Well we were pretty close. With a fire burning below and smoke seeping through cracks in the asphalt, Central is as close as I want to get. Located right on the Columbia County border in coal country, Centralia is a modern-day ghost town.

There is a fire burning under the town that’s been ablaze for over 40 years now. Due to all the coal under this small town it could burn for 40 more. While wandering around Centralia, there’s not much left to tell this town’s rich history, which was once very thriving during its coal mining heyday.

Today approximately 7 people live in the town with very few homes left. Most were destroyed after the government claimed eminent domain.

We explored the few cemeteries in the town. There are more dead than alive in Centralia. The cemeteries help give you an idea of how populous this town once was. We also took a walk down the closed portion of Rt. 61 that ran through the town. Today that road is impassable by vehicle, except the few 4-wheelers which scared and passed us. The asphalt is torn away in spots, with smoke billowing out in between the cracks. The road is covered with graffiti, some a little offensive, so beware if you are sensitive!

As we traveled what roads are left in the town we found that most were overgrown with weeds and were impassable after a few hundred feet.The town still carries some hometown flair. There’s a bench near a park with “Centralia” and the year the town was founded engraved into it. The town also has the colest street sign. The “Wood Street” sign is posted on a large tree that lies near the intersection of the road.

Visiting the town is not necessarily encouraged, but is legal. Just use caution and common sense while in the area. The would not be an ideal visit for very young children, although teenagers are sure to be impressed with the fact that Centralia is the town in the popular video game “Silent Hill” was influenced by.

Though this town carries a sense of eeriness, I would guess Hell could not be as peaceful as Centralia is.