Everyone knows that Portland is the weird capitol of the US, but what they might not know is that it's also home to some of the most haunted locations on the West Coast.
The famous little stone house in Portland goes by many names: the Witch's House, the Trail House, and the Forest House, though usually it's called by it's most common name, the Stone House. Built in the mid-1930s, the elaborate little building was used for a decade as a public trail bathroom before the building's water-line was completely destroyed during the infamous Columbus Day storm of October 12, 1962.
If you happen to spot some strange people holding blinking devices while you're there, it's probably because Forest Park is also rumored to be haunted. Ghost hunters have been visiting the woods for years trying to capture the strange lights, disembodied voices, and shadow figures rumored to be lurking in the nearby brush.
Not only is the White Eagle Cafe and Saloon Portland's oldest bar, it's also the most haunted! Sometime around the 20th century, the building was used as a brothel, which is the root of its activity. The most haunted areas include the basement, where guests have heard the sound of phantom music, and the second floor, where the prostitutes once lived.
Tip: If you're looking to have a ghostly encounter, any of the 11 cozy guest rooms on the second floor are often visited by resident spirit Rose, who was once a prostitute at the saloon.
The Grotto is one of Portland's most visited tourist areas, and surprisingly, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a little girl who has shown herself mainly to women over the years.
Tip: Admission is $5, but trust us, take the elevator up to the meditation room. You won't find another view like it in Portland.
Lone Fir Cemetery is Portland's oldest graveyard, and is the final resting place of 25,000 people. Brave visitors have experienced the sound of a woman crying distantly in the night. Paranormal investigators have recorded the disembodied voices of men, who seem to be locked in a great argument.
Tip: If you're visiting Portland in October make sure to book the Halloween Tour of Untimely Departures, which happens on October 31st, for a guided adventure into Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery's haunted history.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is one of Portland's first coffee houses, and the music-themed eatery still whips up some of the best food in the city, making a great place for lunch.. as long as you don't mind eating with a few restless spirits.
Built in 1902, the building is home to the spirit of a man many believe to be Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Many have spotted him looking thoughtfully from the front window, or pacing back and forth in the main room with his hands clasped behind his back.
Tip: It's easy to think that Kimsky-Korsakoffee House is... well, just a house. Don't worry, the restaurant just doesn't have a big sign out front.
If you're looking to spend the night in a haunted hotel, Heathman Hotel is your best bet. Rooms 703, 803, and 1003 are said to be the most haunted rooms in entire hotel. Brave guests checking out have reported everything from mysterious sounds to straight-up poltergeist activity.
Tip: Pay particular attention to the corners of the room, where many have reported seeing ghostly faces staring back at them from the darkness.
Portland Walking Tours has a handful of awesome guided adventures for any interest, but if you're looking to do a little paranormal investigating, then Beyond Bizarre Ghost Tour is for you. The 2.5 hour tour heads to the most haunted locations in the city, while a knowledgeable guide gives you the low down on all the spirits that have made them famous.
Tip: If you don't have your own ghost hunting gear, don't worry. The tour offers equipment bundles that include digital recorders and EMF devices.
Only the bravest need apply to spend the night at the Benson Hotel, one of Portland's spookiest locales. The most famous resident ghost at the Benson is that of a little boy often spotted on the 9th floor. The boy, who remains nameless, will appear to guests at their bedside, only to jump forward while making a terrifying expression. Some guests have even reported that at times he can be solid, making contact with their sheets and clothing. Sweet dreams!
Tip: The little boy on the 9th floor is a fan of sweets, so if you're brave enough, leave out a few pieces of candy as a trigger object.
The building where Old Town Pizza resides has been around for well over 100 years and in all that time it's managed to pick up a few customers who refuse to leave. The most famous of the bunch is Nina, who often likes to make herself known with the overwhelming smell of perfume, or a slight touch at your back.
Old Town Pizza is located smack dab in the lobby of the old Merchant Hotel, in fact, you place your order right at the original reception desk.
Tips: Old Town Pizza offers private tours of their section of the creepy Shanghai Tunnels.
The Shanghai Tunnels are often rumored to be the most haunted place in America. The basement tunnels were an underground network used by some not-so-nice kidnappers known as shanghaiiers. Today, those exploring the abandoned passages beneath Portland will report hearing the sounds of screaming or moaning coming from the darkness. Tours of the tunnels are sure to terrify!
Tip: Be sure to book your tour a few days in advance, as they can fill up quickly.
Add a little spooky to your Portland adventure and visit one (or all) of these amazingly paranormal places for a seriously memorable visit! Happy Hunting!
Dana Newkirk
Paranormal adventurer documenting the unexplained. Curator & keeper of The Traveling Museum of the Paranormal & Occult. Friend me. Follow me. Add me.