9 Oregon Creepiest Haunted Places You Can Actually Visit

Oregon has a darker, more mysterious side that most tourists never get to see.

Beyond the scenic mountains, lush forests, and rugged coastline lie buildings and sites with chilling histories – places where strange sounds echo through empty halls, shadows move where no one should be, and unexplained phenomena continue to this day.

From underground tunnels that locals whisper about, said to be haunted by victims of past tragedies, to lighthouses perched on windswept cliffs where spirits refuse to leave, Oregon is full of destinations that make even the bravest shiver.

Many of these locations welcome visitors eager to experience the paranormal firsthand.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a thrill-seeker, or someone who genuinely believes in the supernatural, these haunted spots offer a spine-tingling way to explore Oregon’s history, test your courage, and maybe, just maybe, encounter something you won’t forget.

1. The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland

Walking through Portland’s Old Town, few people realize what lies directly beneath their feet. A maze of tunnels snakes under the streets, holding one of the darkest chapters in the city’s past.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, these passages served a sinister purpose. Ship captains needed crew members, and unscrupulous criminals would kidnap unsuspecting people from bars and hotels above, dragging them through these tunnels to waiting ships.

The practice became known as shanghaiing, and countless victims disappeared into forced labor at sea. Today, the tunnels are open for tours, and the atmosphere remains deeply unsettling.

Visitors consistently report sudden temperature drops that make them shiver even in summer. Apparitions of confused, frightened figures appear in the darkness, only to vanish when approached.

One spirit named Sam seems particularly active, with tour guides and guests encountering him regularly. Some hear footsteps behind them when no one is there, while others feel invisible hands touching their shoulders.

The energy in certain sections feels heavy and oppressive, as if the suffering from over a century ago still lingers in the cool, damp air. Photography often captures unexplained orbs and shadows that weren’t visible to the naked eye.

These underground passages offer a chilling reminder of Portland’s rough maritime history and the people who never made it home.

2. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats

Perched on a rugged cliff along Oregon’s central coast, this lighthouse has guided ships since 1894. The stunning ocean views and Victorian architecture attract thousands of visitors each year, but many come hoping to meet Rue.

Rue is the resident ghost who haunts the former assistant keeper’s house, now operating as a cozy bed and breakfast. Her identity remains a mystery, though many believe she was a lighthouse keeper’s wife who lost a child.

Guests staying overnight report furniture mysteriously rearranging itself between evening and morning. Heavy footsteps pace back and forth in the attic when no living person is up there.

Windows have shattered without explanation, and one maintenance worker refused to return after encountering her presence. The smell of roses sometimes fills rooms where no flowers exist.

Rue seems most active when renovations or changes occur, as if she’s protecting her beloved home. She’s not considered dangerous, just particular about how things should be.

Staff members have grown accustomed to her presence, even leaving out treats that sometimes disappear overnight. Photographers capture strange mists and figures in windows that were empty moments before.

The lighthouse itself continues operating, its beam sweeping across the dark Pacific waters. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, spending a night here means experiencing one of America’s most documented haunted locations.

The combination of natural beauty and supernatural activity makes this a truly unique Oregon destination.

3. McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale

This sprawling property started as Multnomah County Poor Farm in 1911, housing people society had forgotten. Thousands lived and passed away here over the decades, leaving behind more than just memories.

The McMenamin brothers transformed the abandoned facility into a massive hotel, brewery, and entertainment complex in the 1990s. They preserved the building’s history while creating a unique destination, but they couldn’t remove all the former residents.

Doors swing open and slam shut when no breeze exists to move them. Guests report shadowy figures gliding through hallways late at night, wearing clothing from another era.

Room 215 experiences particularly high activity, with visitors reporting being touched by invisible hands. The feeling of being watched follows people through certain corridors, especially near the old hospital wing.

Staff members have heard conversations in empty rooms and found objects moved from where they were carefully placed. Some employees refuse to work alone in specific buildings after dark.

Cold spots appear randomly, dropping the temperature by twenty degrees in a single step. Electrical equipment malfunctions without technical explanation, then works perfectly moments later.

The property’s size means multiple spirits may call it home, each with their own story. Former patients, staff members, and residents seem to coexist with the living guests.

Despite the paranormal activity, the hotel remains popular, with many visitors hoping to experience something unexplainable. The combination of history, hospitality, and hauntings creates an unforgettable stay in the Columbia River Gorge area.

4. Geyser Grand Hotel, Baker City

Eastern Oregon’s premiere hotel once hosted wealthy travelers passing through the mining region during its glory days. Built in the late 1800s, the Geyser Grand represented luxury and sophistication in a rough frontier town.

Today, several spirits refuse to check out, creating one of Oregon’s most actively haunted hotels. The ballroom hosts a particularly sad presence, a woman in period dress who appears lost in grief.

Legend says she waited for a lover who never returned, and her heartbreak keeps her tied to this world. Guests see her standing near the windows, gazing out as if still watching for someone.

A nurse in old-fashioned uniform walks the upper floors, perhaps still making her rounds caring for patients. Her footsteps echo on the wooden floors, stopping at certain rooms before continuing down the hall.

The sound of a child laughing and running rings through empty corridors, though no young guests are present. Staff members report toys moving on their own and small handprints appearing on freshly cleaned mirrors.

Room temperatures fluctuate wildly, with some areas remaining unnaturally cold regardless of the season. Electronic devices drain quickly or malfunction when spirits seem most active.

The hotel embraces its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours and paranormal investigation nights. Visitors come from across the country hoping to capture evidence of the supernatural.

The building’s restoration preserved its Victorian elegance while maintaining the mysterious atmosphere that makes it special. Staying here means stepping back in time in more ways than one.

5. Old Town Pizza, Portland

Grabbing a slice of pizza rarely comes with a side of paranormal activity, but this Portland restaurant operates in the former Merchant Hotel. The building’s history includes tragedy that still makes itself known today.

Nina was a young woman working in the building when she met a violent end in the elevator shaft. Her spirit never left, and staff and customers encounter her regularly.

The distinctive scent of perfume wafts through dining areas when no one wearing fragrance is nearby. It appears suddenly, lingers for a moment, then vanishes just as mysteriously.

Footsteps cross the floor above when the upper level sits completely empty. The sound is clear and deliberate, as if someone is pacing back and forth.

Diners report feeling gentle touches on their shoulders or arms, turning to find no one standing behind them. Some feel their hair being played with by invisible fingers.

The basement, where the elevator shaft remains, carries an especially heavy atmosphere. Employees avoid going down alone, and many refuse to enter certain areas after dark.

Objects move on their own, with glasses sliding across tables and chairs shifting position. Kitchen staff hear their names called when no one is trying to get their attention.

Despite the activity, Nina doesn’t seem threatening, just present and perhaps lonely. The restaurant has become popular with paranormal enthusiasts who hope to experience her presence.

The pizza is genuinely good too, making this a spot where you can enjoy great food while possibly encountering the other side. Nina has become part of the establishment’s charm and local folklore.

6. Wolf Creek Inn, Wolf Creek

Highway 5 rushes past this historic inn, but stepping inside means traveling back to Oregon’s frontier days. The building served as a stagecoach stop starting in the 1880s, welcoming tired travelers including famous guests like Clark Gable and Jack London.

The walls absorbed decades of stories, some darker than others. Reports describe a vampire-like entity that haunts the property, though descriptions vary wildly.

Some guests wake in the night feeling an oppressive presence in their room, as if something is draining their energy. They describe feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep.

Others see a dark figure standing in corners or doorways, watching silently before disappearing. The entity seems to prefer certain rooms, with guests requesting transfers after frightening encounters.

Beyond the vampire legend, other spirits walk these halls. The sounds of horse-drawn carriages arrive outside when nothing is there.

Voices from another era drift through rooms, speaking in old-fashioned language about forgotten concerns. Doors lock and unlock themselves, and room keys vanish only to reappear in impossible locations.

The inn’s long history means many people passed through or stayed permanently. Some apparently never left, creating layers of paranormal activity from different time periods.

Staff members share stories of unexplained events they’ve witnessed over the years. The building’s isolation on the highway adds to its eerie atmosphere, especially on foggy nights.

Despite the supernatural reputation, the inn remains open for guests seeking an authentic historic experience. Just be prepared for roommates you didn’t book with.

7. The Benson Hotel, Portland

Downtown Portland’s grandest hotel opened in 1912, representing the pinnacle of luxury and service. Simon Benson spared no expense creating his masterpiece, importing materials from around the world.

His dedication to excellence apparently continues beyond the grave. Staff and guests regularly encounter his spirit still overseeing operations.

Benson appears most often in the hallways and his former penthouse suite, dressed in period clothing. He walks with purpose, as if inspecting the property to ensure standards remain high.

Some employees report feeling watched while working, then turning to see a distinguished older gentleman observing them. He nods approvingly or frowns, depending on their performance, before fading away.

Housekeeping staff find rooms they just cleaned mysteriously rearranged, as if someone checked their work. Furniture sits at slightly different angles, and towels are refolded in an old-fashioned style.

The penthouse experiences particularly strong activity, with lights turning on and off by themselves. Guests staying there report the feeling of a presence, though not a threatening one.

Elevators stop at floors where no one pressed the button, opening to reveal empty hallways. The lobby sometimes fills with the scent of tobacco smoke, though smoking hasn’t been allowed for decades.

Benson seems to appreciate guests who respect his hotel’s history and elegance. Those who treat the property well report positive encounters, while those who don’t may find their stay slightly uncomfortable.

The hotel embraces its founder’s lingering presence as part of its charm. After all, having the original owner still ensuring quality isn’t such a bad thing.

8. Elsinore Theatre, Salem

Salem’s beautiful theatre opened in 1926, entertaining generations with films and live performances. The Tudor Gothic architecture creates a dramatic atmosphere even without the paranormal activity reported inside.

The men’s restroom holds the theatre’s darkest legend. During the 1930s, a young boy allegedly met a tragic end there, and the horror of that moment seems frozen in time.

Visitors report seeing blood splatters suddenly appear on bathroom mirrors, only to vanish moments later. The stains look fresh and disturbing, causing many to flee in panic.

Screams echo through the restroom when no one else is present. The cries sound young and terrified, sending chills down the spines of anyone who hears them.

Some men refuse to use the facilities alone, preferring to wait for someone to accompany them. The atmosphere in that specific area feels wrong, as if something terrible lingers.

Beyond the restroom, other strange occurrences happen throughout the building. Seats fold down and up on their own in the empty auditorium.

Stage crew members report equipment moving overnight and strange shadows in the wings. The sound of footsteps crosses the stage when the theatre is locked and empty.

Cold spots appear randomly throughout the building, and electronic equipment malfunctions during performances. Some actors refuse to perform certain scenes in specific stage locations.

Despite the disturbing history, the theatre continues operating as a beloved community venue. The beautiful architecture and entertainment value outweigh the spooky reputation for most visitors, though some never return after certain experiences.

9. Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland

Southern Oregon’s premier hotel has welcomed guests since 1925, offering luxury accommodations in a charming Shakespeare festival town. The building’s elegance and history attract visitors year-round, but some guests never checked out.

A ghostly bellboy continues his duties decades after his employment ended. Guests report a young man in vintage uniform appearing in hallways, offering to carry luggage or direct them to their rooms.

He seems helpful and polite, speaking in old-fashioned language before vanishing mid-conversation. Some visitors don’t realize anything unusual happened until they mention the helpful staff member to the front desk.

The lady in white walks the upper floors, appearing most often near the stairwells. She wears a flowing gown from the 1920s or 1930s and seems lost or searching for something.

Her appearances are brief, usually just glimpsed from the corner of someone’s eye. When guests turn to look directly, she fades like morning mist.

Room doors open and close on their own, and the sound of someone walking in heels clicks through empty corridors. Guests report hearing parties and music from the 1920s, as if the building remembers its glory days.

The elevator sometimes stops at floors where no one called it, opening to reveal empty hallways. Some guests experience the sensation of riding with invisible passengers.

Staff members have grown accustomed to the supernatural activity, treating the spirits as part of the hotel’s character. The paranormal reputation actually attracts curious visitors hoping for their own encounter.

The combination of luxury accommodations and ghostly residents makes this a unique place to stay while exploring Ashland’s cultural offerings.