Are you ready to explore the supernatural side of Oregon?
From eerie forests and abandoned buildings to mysterious lighthouses and restless inns, Oregon is home to some of the most spine-tinglingly haunted places in the West Coast.
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s sure to make your hair stand on end, then join us as we uncover some of the state’s spookiest secrets.
1. McMenamins White Eagle Saloon in Portland
Located in the historic White Eagle Saloon building on SE Belmont Street, McMenamins White Eagle Saloon has a long and haunted history. The saloon was built in 1905 as a drinking establishment frequented by sailors, loggers, and other rough-and-tumble types of the era. It is said that one of the early owners died in an upstairs room while entertaining some ladies of the night.
Since then, many people have experienced strange phenomena at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon including apparitions standing around tables or watching from behind curtains; sounds such as footsteps and rapping; cold spots throughout the building; mysterious lights turning on/off; objects moving about seemingly by themselves; ghostly figures passing through walls or appearing out of nowhere…the list goes on! It’s no wonder why this place has been dubbed “The Most Haunted Bar In Portland.
Today visitors can enjoy live music performances most nights at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon along with tasty food & drinks served up daily. Make sure to stick around for awhile though – you never know who might make an appearance!
For more information visit their website at: https://www.mcmenamins.com/whiteeagle
2. The Shanghai Tunnels in Portland
Built in the 19th century, these extensive underground tunnels were used by unscrupulous merchants and criminals to smuggle unsuspecting victims from saloons and hotels into ships waiting in the harbor below. Legend has it that many of those unfortunate souls never returned, their fate still unknown. Today, visitors can experience these mysterious passageways for themselves on guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who share stories about the area’s dark past.
The Portland Walking Tours offers a two-hour tour of this historic site as well as other haunted locations around town. The tour includes access to some of the most notorious spots such as Chinatown Alley, “Shanghaiers” Stairs, and Madame Ling’s Opium Den. Tour goers will also hear tales of secret societies and ghostly encounters which make this adventure all the more thrilling!
For more information about The Shanghai Tunnels Haunted History Tour or any other tours offered by Portland Walking Tours please visit their website at www.portlandwalkingtours.com or call (503) 222-2277 for reservations or inquiries
3. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail near Troutdale
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail near Troutdale, Oregon has a long and dark history. The highway was constructed between 1913-1922 and is considered to be the first scenic highway in America. However, it’s not just its impressive engineering feats that have made this road famous; it’s also known for being haunted.
The most popular legend connected to the highway is that of “the Lady in White” who wanders along the side of the road at night searching for her lost child. Local folklore claims she died when her young daughter got hit by a car while they were walking along the roadside together many years ago. People who claim to have seen her say she appears as a ghostly white figure wearing a long dress with an old-fashioned hat or bonnet on her head, either carrying something in one hand or holding onto something with both hands while frantically looking around as if searching for something—hence why people believe she may be seeking out her lost daughter’s spirit still lingering here after all these years.
Other strange occurrences reported include spectral lights appearing on roads leading up to Vista House, mysterious figures standing outside cars during foggy nights, shadowy shapes moving around near Rest Area No 11 (located halfway between Portland and Hood River), and disembodied voices heard coming from within abandoned buildings located close by.
If you’re feeling brave enough to explore this historic route yourself, find out more information about it from Friends of Historic Columbia River Highway website: https://www.historiccolumbiariverhighway.org/
4. Hotel Oregon in McMinnville
The Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, Oregon is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former hotel owner named George Taylor. According to legend, he still roams the halls of this historic building looking for his lost love. In addition to George’s spirit, guests have reported seeing dark shadows and hearing strange noises coming from empty rooms.
The Hotel Oregon was built in 1905 and has served as a gathering place for travelers since then. It’s located near downtown McMinnville at 310 NE Evans Street and offers modern amenities with lots of its original charm intact. For those interested in learning more about its spooky history, they can take one of the Paranormal Investigations or Haunted History Tours offered onsite.
For further information visit their website: https://mcmenamins.com/hoteloregon
5. Jacksonville Cemetery and Union Hall Building
Located in Jacksonville, Oregon, the Jacksonville Cemetery and Union Hall building is a location steeped in dark history. The cemetery was established shortly after the town’s founding in 1851 and has since become an integral part of its haunted past.
The cemetery contains numerous unmarked graves which some believe to be those of children who died from illnesses or accidents during early settlement. Rumors abound that these grave sites are often visited by restless spirits seeking solace from their untimely end. Many visitors have reported experiencing strange phenomena including eerie whispering voices, icy gusts of wind, phantom shadows and even glimpses of ghostly apparitions wandering through the graveyard at night.
Adding to this haunted atmosphere is the nearby Union Hall building – an abandoned dance hall dating back to 1875 that now stands as a decrepit reminder of time gone by. Many say that it serves as a sort refuge for lost souls who find themselves unable to move on into the afterlife; strange noises such as doors slamming shut and disembodied footsteps echo throughout its walls late at night while some claim they’ve seen mysterious figures dancing within its dilapidated interior!
For more information about visiting Jacksonville Cemetery or exploring Union Hall Building, you can contact the local historical society at (541) 899-8123 or visit their website: www.jacksonvillehistorycenter.org
6. Wolf Creek Inn near Grants Pass
Wolf Creek Inn near Grants Pass in Oregon is a historic hotel that has been rumored to be haunted for decades. Located off Highway 199, the Inn was built in 1925 and features a rustic, old-fashioned charm.
The ghostly tales of Wolf Creek Inn can be traced back to its founder and first owner, William Hamilton Dickson. Dickson reportedly died inside the inn after being thrown from his horse during a hunt on the property in 1929. His presence is said to still linger at the inn today as many guests have reported seeing his apparition or feeling his presence while staying there.
Other paranormal activity reported at Wolf Creek Inn includes strange noises such as doors opening and closing by themselves, whispering voices coming from empty rooms, lights flickering on their own accord, and cold spots throughout various sections of the inn.
If you’d like to experience some of this spectral activity firsthand or just stay in one of their beautiful accommodations for a night (or two!), you can find more information about rates and availability at www.wolfcreekinnoregon.com or call 1-800-575-3202
7. Silver Falls State Park near Sublimity
Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon is known for its stunning views and majestic waterfalls. It’s also rumored to be haunted by a ghostly figure that appears along the trail near the South Falls. According to legend, this spirit was once a Native American man who haunts the area looking for his lost love.
The ghost has been seen on numerous occasions by visitors of Silver Falls State Park, usually after dark or during heavy rainstorms. He is said to appear suddenly out of nowhere wearing an old-fashioned buckskin coat with long hair and an unkempt beard. Witnesses have reported feeling uneasy when they see him watching them from a distance before he fades away into thin air without leaving any trace behind.
Other strange occurrences have been reported at Silver Falls State Park as well, such as whispers of voices echoing through the woods and unexplained sightings of glowing eyes in nearby trees after sunset. The park staff claims that these stories are just folklore but warns visitors to stay on marked trails at night as some areas may not be safe due to potential wildlife encounters or other hazards like steep cliffs and deep ravines.
For more information about visiting Silver Falls State Park you can visit their website https://oregonstateparks.org/index
8. Pendleton Underground Tours, Pendleton
Pendleton Underground Tours in Pendleton, Oregon is home to some of the most haunted places in the Pacific Northwest. This unique attraction offers guided tours that explore underground tunnels and passageways below the city streets, offering visitors a glimpse into its dark past. Legend has it that these hidden spaces were once part of an extensive network of opium dens during the early 1900s – a time when this area was known for its lawlessness. The tour guides tell stories about mysterious figures who still wander the tunnels to this day and share chilling tales of unexplained disappearances and unsolved murders that have taken place here over time.
The tour can be found at 220 SW Umatilla Avenue in Pendleton, Oregon 97801 and runs from April to October with tours running Thursday-Saturday evenings at 8 pm (additional dates may be available upon request). For more information or to purchase tickets visit their website: http://www.pendletonundergroundtours.com/.
9. The Witch’s Castle at Forest Park, Portland
The Witch’s Castle at Forest Park in Portland, Oregon is said to be one of the most haunted locations in the area. The castle was originally built as a bathroom for hikers and picnickers but has since been abandoned due to its creepy atmosphere.
Legend tells of a man who lived there with his beloved witch called Lizzy Jane. He protected her from harm by using magical spells and potions until one day, when she suddenly disappeared without a trace. Locals claim that if you pass by the castle late at night, you can sometimes hear eerie sounds coming from within or even see strange figures walking around inside.
Visitors report feeling uneasy while standing near the castle and some have reported hearing voices or footsteps echoing through its walls. Others claim they’ve seen ghostly apparitions roaming around outside or lights flickering on and off inside the building itself!
If you’re brave enough to visit this historic location, be sure to bring your camera – many people have captured mysterious images here! You may also want to contact local paranormal investigators for more information about any possible hauntings at The Witch’s Castle (contact info: www.portlandparanormalinvestigationservices.com).
10. Winchester Mystery House, Salem
The Winchester Mystery House in Salem, Massachusetts is a Victorian Mansion steeped in legend and folklore. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester, the mansion has been said to be haunted ever since it was first constructed in 1886. It’s believed that Sarah built the house as part of her effort to appease the spirits of those killed by guns manufactured by her husband’s company.
The sprawling 160-room mansion contains many strange features such as doors and staircases leading nowhere, skylights over bathrooms, and windows overlooking other rooms. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions roaming through hallways and hearing voices echoing throughout the building. The most infamous ghost is thought to be that of Sarah herself who can still be heard playing music on a distant piano late at night.
Today you can take guided tours through this mysterious home to learn more about its history and explore its spooky secrets for yourself! For more information visit https://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/.
