Known for its artisanal coffee, quirky residents, and – you guessed it – a histoy of shenanigans, Portland is one of the most popular cities on the West Coast. But beneath its canopy of rainy skies, iconic bridges, and historical landmarks, the city also has another, not-so-talked about side that we’ll try to uncover in this article. From spine-tingling tunnels to eerie estates, the haunted places in Portland are perfect for people with curious hearts and a penchant for the paranormal.
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Ghost Tours & Haunted Places In Portland
Dive deep into the dark corners of Portland’s history with this chilling walking tour and explore the city streets as you uncover tales of restless spirits, mischievous poltergeists, and notorious psychopaths that have left an indelible mark on the Rose City’s past.
Another option is to take this tour to learn more about the era of the Shanghai Tunnels and learn the city’s secretive underground past, filled with tales of kidnapping and maritime lore (before you lighten the mood with a refreshing beer tasting, because this is Portland after all).
Lastly, you can also consider this spooktacular pub crawl that takes you hopping from one haunted pub to another, sip on eerie elixirs and listen to ghastly tales of Portland’s paranormal patrons.
The Shanghai Tunnels
We’re starting this list of the most haunted places in Portland that will give you the creeps with the Shanghai Tunnels. Historically speaking, the Shanghai Tunnels, also known as the “Old Portland Underground,” have a sordid and grim past. Originating in the 1850s, these tunnels linked many of Portland’s speakesies (during the prohobition era). However, many of the people who worked here were”Shanghaied” and in case you don’t know “Shanghaiing” was a downright shady practice of kidnapping people, only to force them into labor aboard.
But it’s not just the dark history that gives you the chills, there are also supposed supernatural elements. Visitors have reported hearing whispers, spotting shadowy figures, and even feeling unseen hands touch them…
The White Eagle Saloon
Nestled in Portland’s North, this saloon was established in 1905 and has seen its share of raucous nights, however, it’s the whispers of its ghostly patrons that make it even more famous. Visitors have ocassionally reported spectral sightings (although them being drunk shouldn’t be excluded) and there are even legends abound about who these ethereal inhabitants might be. There’s Sam, the alleged former bouncer who doesn’t quite know how to quit the gig—even in the afterlife. And rumors have it that Rose, a lady of the night, occasionally makes an appearance, perhaps looking for a partner for the next dance.
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The Pittock Mansion
Built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, pioneers who played a massive role in shaping the city we know and love, this mansion is no ordinary residence. With 46 rooms and a story behind every corner, it’s one of the most important historic houses in town. Rumor has it that the loving couple, despite having left the mortal coil long ago, never really vacated their beloved abode. Visitors often recount tales of a peculiar rose scent—Georgiana’s favorite—wafting through the air or windows mysteriously opening on calm days…
The Old Town Pizza & Brewing
In a city bursting with character and charm, Old Town Pizza & Brewing offers a unique blend of culinary and a slice of history. Also, a haunted pizza joint is something so Portlandesque it just sounds right (I never heard of a similar example in another city. Established in what once was the Merchant Hotel, it’s whispered that the premises have long played host to a spirit named Nina and no, she’s not interested in the last slice of pepperoni. Some say she was actually a lady of the night, tragically betrayed, and her spirit forever etched into the very bricks and mortar of the building.
The Bagdad Theater
If you thought Portland was just about quirky cafes, eccentric bike parades, and folks with an unapologetic love for plaid, think again. Nestled in the heart of Hawthorne Boulevard stands the Bagdad Theater, one of the city’s oldest. But as the reels roll and the popcorn pops, whispers of spectral sightings are known to ocassional pop up, making this place ideal for this list of haunted places in Portland.
Established in 1927, the Bagdad Theater is a monument to the golden age of cinema. Over the decades, many a patron has shared tales of mysterious apparitions, unexpected cold spots, and that unsettling feeling of being watched while carried away by the film’s story.
Cathedral Park & St. John’s Bridge
Cathedral Park & the St. John’s Bridge is an iconic duo that offers some of Portland’s most iconic views, but if the tales are to be believed, a ghost or two are haunting this beautiful scene. Spanning the sparkling waters of the Willamette River, the gothic spires of St. John’s Bridge have served as a passage (and one of the city’s prettiest bridges) since the 1930s. However, some locals say that if you’re crossing the bridge during a misty evening, you might spot ethereal figures drifting alongside the towering arches—perhaps past workers of the bridge…
North Portland Library
Established in the early 1900s, the North Portland Library boasts more than just an impressive collection of books. Over the years, tales of mysterious occurrences have been reported, including whispering conversations in empty aisles, books mysteriously toppling over, and shadows that flit just beyond the corner of your eye. But there’s one tale that’s more famous than the others; the supposed story of a security camera capturing a translucent figure, meandering amidst the history section.
Jantzen Beach Carousel
The Jantzen Beach Carousel is a merry-go-round of vibrant horses and jolly tunes but also one of those haunted places in Portland where the line between the enchanting and the eerie becomes delightfully blurred (but seriously am I the only one who finds these places kind of scary even without haunted stories?). Established in the 1920s, this carousel has seen generations of kids, teens, and even adults, hop on for a spin. However, people also claim to have seen a mysterious rider, a little girl, seen only in fleeting reflections or the corner of one’s eye, forever enjoying her ride. Her origin story is uknown.
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Geiser Grand Hotel
Opening its ornate doors in 1889, the Geiser Grand Hotel used to be the epitome of luxury with its crystal chandeliers, majestic staircases, and red carpets. That is until whispers of otherworldly occurrences started swirling around. Among the famed spirits, the Lady in Blue takes center stage. Donning a 19th-century gown, she’s been spotted gracefully gliding through the halls, with some saying she’s a former guest, while others think she might be searching for a lost love.
Hot Lake Hotel
This list of haunted places in Portland couldn’t be complete without the Hot Lake Hotel. Established in the 1860s, Hot Lake Hotel, one of the city’s oldest was once touted as “The Mayo Clinic of the West.” Thanks to the mineral-rich waters in the ground where it was built, this hotel became a premier destination for wellness. But over time, the healing haven saw many transformations—from a bustling resort to a hospital, then an asylum, and eventually, a ghost hunter’s dream destination.
One of the most talked-about spirits is that of a former doctor who, rumor has it, is still making his rounds and late at night, you can still hear the faint echo of footsteps and the distant rattle of medical instruments.
And then there’s the inexplicable sound of drums, perhaps a nod to the Native American heritage of the land?
Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Gold Rush fever was running hot and Sumpter Valley, brimming with promise, saw its massive dredge clawing through the earth, seeking the precious yellow metal. But while it unearthed gold, it might have also stirred some spirits that weren’t quite ready for their final rest.
Among the many tales that linger like mist over the dredge, one stands out—the ghostly prospector, clad in period attire, this shadowy figure is often seen near the dredge, perhaps still seeking his elusive fortune or perhaps, is not too happy from being woken up from this ethernal dream…
Benson Hotel
Founded by timber tycoon Simon Benson in 1913, this hotel still has its old world elegance but aparently also some guests who refuse to check out. People say that as night falls, the Benson has more to offer than just posh suites and a killer wine list. The most famous phantom being none other than Mr. Benson himself, perhaps surveying his grand establishment and checking if guests have everything they need. Guests have also reported weird elevator mishaps or being escorted to their floors by invisable hands after exiting the elevator.
Crystal Ballroom
Inaugurated in 1914, the Crystal Ballroom quickly became the hub for swanky soirées and jubilant jigs with its floating dance floor, that could make you feel like you are dancing on air. And speaking of air, some say the ballroom’s atmosphere is occasionally punctuated by presences that are light as a feather. Among the most whispered tales is that of an elegant couple that ocassionally waltzes their way through the crowds…
Hollywood Theatre
Since 1926, the Hollywood Theatre has been captivating audiences with its architectural grandeur and cinematic masterpieces. But the big screen isn’t the only place where you can see drama here. Many an usher has whispered of figures that glide silently through the back rows, settling into seats that, upon closer inspection, are curiously empty. And then there’s the gentleman in the vintage suit, always seated in the balcony, forever engrossed in a film that I guess he liked so much he doesn’t want to leave. On quiet nights, when the credits have rolled and the lights are dim, there’s sometimes the soft sound of applause or a hushed conversation.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Nestled in a historic home from the early 1900s, this eccentric coffee joint has antique charm and is one of the most hipster cafes in Portland. Ever been to a café where your table makes a subtle shimmy while you sip? At Rimsky’s, it’s so normal, it’s actually the norm. Some say it’s the spirits ensuring you’re alert (no caffeine required), while others swear it’s just the quirky character of an old house.
Legends speak of a pianist occasionally tickling the ivories in the wee hours, producing muffled melodies, making one wonder if it’s a far-off radio… or perhaps a serenade from the spectral side.
Willamette River Ghost Ship
The Willamette River Ghost Ship is a phantom flotilla that’s anchored itself firmly on our list of haunted places in Portland (and no it’s not the old pile of rust on the photo, I just couldn’t find anything more appropriate). The placid waters of the Willamette River, with its sprawling bridges and scenic vistas, hide a secret beneath their shimmering surface. As twilight descends and the mists rise, some say a ghostly galleon emerges, cutting through the fog and nothing feels right about it.
Details of this spectral ship’s origins are as murky as the river’s deepest depths. Was it a forsaken freighter, a ghastly galleon, or perhaps a cruiser of cursed cargo? I guess we’ll never know. But a cool story, nevertheless.
Grand Lodge
Last but not least, even though technically not in Portland (it’s a short 40 minute drive), we round up this list of haunted places in Portland with the Grand Lodge which in its heyday, was the epitome of opulence, hosting balls and banquets and being the definition of classy. While most guests would pen their praises in the guestbook, some, it seems, decided to become permanent patrons in a more paranormal sense. Guests have recounted tales of ghostly giggles echoing through corridors, fleeting figures in flapper dresses, and mysterious unexplicable sounds in empty hallways…
How did you like this list of haunted places in Portland? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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