Loring is a ghost town located in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough of Alaska. Once a bustling hub for the fishing and timber industries, it now stands as a testament to Alaska’s rich history. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 55°36′11″N, 131°38′13″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: 1885
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished; population declined over time
Comments: Loring was established in 1885 with the first post office in the District of Alaska. Located due north of downtown Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island, it was once Ketchikan’s rival as the service center for the area’s fishing and timber industries. As of the 2020 census, the population is 0, down from 4 at the 2010 census, although the number increases in summer months.
Remains: Some structures and remnants of the town’s past are still visible, though many have deteriorated over time.
Current Status: Abandoned, with occasional seasonal inhabitants
Remarks: Loring’s decline began as industries shifted and populations moved to more accessible areas. Its historical significance remains, offering insights into the early development of Alaska’s coastal communities.
