centralia (spring break, houses, college)

[pinetar10]

has anyone here ever been to centralia? can you actually go into the town or is it all barricaded off?

[subs]

Yes, you can walk around the burning areas. Been to the area a few times and winter is the best time as the colder it is the better you can see the steam.

I have always been amazed that they did not have it closed off more but, its a big area and common sense should prevail.

Looking at wikimapia (you may have to cut and paste)

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=40.802863&lon=-76.336935&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2

You want to walk around the SW part of the town. This is where the fire is close to the ground. Go when its cold and you can't miss it.
Enjoy,
Ken

[SteelCityRising]

Methinks this area would be perfect for a photo tour!

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by SWB

Methinks this area would be perfect for a photo tour!

When are you going? Can't wait to see it

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by karen_s

When are you going? Can't wait to see it

Maybe the next time we get a cold snap. I also have to work around an oil change, high gas prices, a new job, a long-distance relationship, and a demanding upcoming college semester. Sheesh! Spring 2008 might not be as promising for photo tours as I was hoping.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by SWB

Maybe the next time we get a cold snap. I also have to work around an oil change, high gas prices, a new job, a long-distance relationship, and a demanding upcoming college semester. Sheesh! Spring 2008 might not be as promising for photo tours as I was hoping.

All kidding aside, I really would like to see it now, it's been a few years. Just be careful! I think Centralia would be a great place to spend your spring break

[Ohiogirl81]

There are a few people still living there; I suppose they're used to people milling around. It's kinda spooky -- the streets and curbs are still there, but the houses are gone.

[HappyRider]

I wanted to start a new thread but saw this. My question is how do you even find the place? There are no signs. My GPS pointed to corner of Rt. 61 and 42. If you look closely, you'll see couple of streets you can turn in but certainly nothing you can drive around the city as some have said. I had to park and start walking few hundred feet in. So, is there an "entrance" that I missed? I was riding by just last week. I must say I didn't feel safe walking in too far, especially that it was late in the day. All I saw were trash dumps and no fire.

[judd2401]

Unless something has changed but I doubt it, there is a detour around Centralia for through traffic, and I would be careful walking around, there are sink holes and the locals that remain aren't particular receptive to outsiders. It's a sad place, and there has been much heartache there, many people are bitter and feel they were ripped off when moving out of the area, many say they didn't get what they were promised. If you do go there to walk around, be respectful of the tragedy that took/is taking place there.

[R.J. MacReady]

It's odd this thread popped up today because I've been debating all weekend about making a trip up there this evening. I'm a little worried I'll have difficulties finding it and the safety of walking around there especially alone. I was going to take pictures but I'm just not sure if I should go (It's about forty minutes from me).