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Oregon, a state brimming with rich history and folklore, is home to numerous tales of hauntings and eerie occurrences. It’s no wonder that the state’s mysterious past continues to intrigue those who seek out supernatural phenomena.
Whether you're a skeptic or a fan of ghost stories, Oregon offers a wealth of haunted locations to explore. From old inns and hotels to lighthouses and courthouses, many of these sites are rumored to host spirits who have never left.
If you're up for a thrilling experience, consider visiting these haunted places in Oregon. Whether you're daring enough to spend the night or prefer a daytime tour, these locations promise to leave an unforgettable mark. Here's a roundup of ten haunted spots to check out in Oregon:
10. The Shanghai Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels in Portland, Oregon, consist of a hidden network of underground corridors and chambers that were once used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for smuggling people and goods. These tunnels also served a darker purpose, as they were used to trap and transport individuals who were forcibly taken, often referred to as being 'shanghaied.' Many of these victims were sailors who were drugged and dragged through the tunnels to ships waiting to press them into forced labor.
The Shanghai Tunnels are surrounded by numerous tales and myths, including stories of hauntings and strange, unexplained events. It's believed by some that the spirits of those who were imprisoned or lost their lives in the tunnels still haunt the area, including those who were shanghaied and disappeared without a trace.
There have been countless reports of unusual sounds, mysterious movements, and other paranormal happenings in the tunnels. Some claim to have seen spectral figures or experienced an eerie sensation of being watched while navigating the tunnels. Others report an overwhelming sense of unease or fear, as if an invisible presence is lurking nearby.
9. The McMenamins White Eagle Saloon
The McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, situated in Portland, Oregon, is a favored spot for both tourists and locals. Housed within the historic White Eagle Building, the saloon is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and its distinct, quirky decor.
Yet, the saloon has a much darker past. It was once a popular haunt for individuals with unsavory reputations, attracting rowdy crowds and notorious figures.
Legend has it that intoxicated men who visited the White Eagle Saloon would often find themselves 'shanghaied,' dragged underground to work in the notorious Shanghai Tunnels. Additionally, the White Eagle is said to be haunted by numerous spirits, including past patrons and even 'working girls' who once entertained the saloon's guests. One of the most famous spirits is a woman named Rose, who is believed to have been a working girl during the saloon’s heyday. Many guests have reported seeing or hearing her, with her cries of sorrow being a common occurrence.
8. Geiser Grand Hotel
Local legend tells of the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, Oregon, being haunted by the spirit of a woman known as the 'Lady in Blue.' She is thought to be the ghost of a former guest who met a mysterious and untimely death. According to the tale, the Lady in Blue is often seen wandering the hotel’s hallways in a flowing blue gown. Some witnesses claim to have seen her standing at the foot of their bed or sitting in a chair within their room. Others report hearing strange noises or sensing an eerie presence while staying at the hotel.
There are also stories of objects mysteriously shifting or disappearing, and doors and windows opening and closing on their own. While some believe the Lady in Blue is behind these strange happenings, others attribute them to natural causes or mere coincidence.
7. The Oregon State Hospital
The Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon, has been providing psychiatric care since 1883. Over the years, it has become notorious for its long history of treating patients with mental illnesses. Tragically, in November 1942, a batch of scrambled eggs served to 263 patients led to a horrific outbreak of illness. Those who didn’t die immediately suffered from severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting blood, seizures, breathing difficulties, and in some cases, paralysis.
The cause of this devastating event? The eggs had been tainted with sodium fluoride, a substance that can kill a rat in mere minutes. To this day, it remains unclear whether this mass death was a tragic accident or a deliberate act. The hospital is rumored to be haunted by the tormented spirits of the patients who perished under such brutal circumstances.
6. The Heceta Head Lighthouse
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, located in Florence, Oregon, has been guiding ships since its construction in 1894. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views and carries a rich history, making it a popular stop for tourists seeking both beauty and a glimpse into the past.
Local folklore suggests that the Heceta Head Lighthouse is haunted by the spirit of the former lightkeeper's wife.
This ghost, known as 'Rue,' had two daughters, one of whom tragically drowned. There is an unmarked grave near the lighthouse believed to be hers, though it has never been investigated. Rue's spirit is said to linger in search of her lost daughter. Her apparition has been seen throughout the property, and a reflection of a woman in a late-Victorian gown is often spotted in the windows.
5. Oregon Caves
The Blue Lady of Oregon Caves is a haunting legend tied to the Oregon Caves National Monument, a lesser-known cave system located in southwestern Oregon. Above the caves sits the Chateau hotel.
According to the tale, the Blue Lady is the restless spirit of a young woman named Elizabeth, who took her own life after discovering her fiancé with a chambermaid. Her ghost has been seen and heard both within the caves and the Chateau above.
Elizabeth is said to cause disturbances by banging on closet doors, unmaking beds, and scattering once-folded laundry across the floor. Even the hotel clerk has reported seeing her apparition on several occasions.
4. Flavel House in Astoria
Flavel House in Astoria, Oregon, is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Harry M. Flavel, the son of the house's original owner, Captain George Conrad Flavel. The Flavel family was well-known and affluent in Astoria during their time. In 1901, they built an exquisite mansion with lavish decor and grand rooms. However, the property began to decline after the birth of Harry, who would eventually inherit the home. Neighbors recall Harry as a troubled child, and at age 20, he committed a heinous act.
Harry chased his mother through the house with a hatchet, intent on causing her harm, or perhaps even taking her life. A neighbor, hearing the screams, rushed over to investigate. Mrs. Flavel managed to lock herself away, but Harry encountered the neighbor and brutally severed his arm with the hatchet. Although no charges were pressed, Harry became known as 'Hatchet Harry' from that day forward.
As an adult, Harry continued his violent and erratic behavior. He stabbed a man after a car accident, filled the mansion with trash, and hoarded strange objects. Eventually, he was sentenced to probation. In 1990, he abandoned the mansion and moved away, but his restless spirit is rumored to still haunt the grand house.
3. Oregon State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those who once worked there, with many of them still tied to unfinished business. One of the most prominent apparitions is that of a politician from the House of Representatives who tragically died in a freak farm accident. His ghost was first seen by a woman from the custodial team, who was cleaning an office on the third floor of the House wing. She sensed a presence and turned to find herself face-to-face with a smiling male apparition.
The Capitol's hauntings are so well-known that Sandra Allen, a board member of the OSCF, published a book about them in 2002. Titled *Ghosts in the Capitol*, the book delves into the eerie happenings, though it’s not easy to find.
2. Hot Lake Hotel
The Hot Lake Hotel, a historic establishment in Oregon, has undergone many transformations. Originally built in 1864, it functioned as a small community hub, featuring a post office, blacksmith, dance hall, barbershop, bathhouse, and more. By 1903, it was redeveloped into a resort. In 1917, Dr. W.T. Phy bought the resort and converted it into an asylum, marking the beginning of its haunted history.
Today, the Hot Lake Hotel is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former patients who were treated at the hotel’s thermal springs. Local legend suggests that these restless souls are often spotted wandering the halls or gazing out the windows.
Numerous guests who have stayed at the Hot Lake Hotel report feeling a mysterious presence, or seeing strange shadows or movements from the corner of their eyes. Some have even claimed to hear the voices of the ghosts or the sound of footsteps echoing from empty rooms.
1. The Ashland Springs Hotel
Originally known as the Lithia Springs Hotel, the Ashland Springs Hotel was constructed in 1925 atop a Native American burial ground, setting the stage for its haunting future. On the day it opened, tragedy struck when a young boy fell from a window and tragically lost his life on the grounds. The boy, along with other former guests, is believed to still haunt the hotel.
The hotel has undergone several rebrandings throughout the years, each time following a tragic event. If you decide to step into the hotel, you’ll feel transported back in time, as its interior remains a reflection of the Gothic and Neo-Classical architecture from 1925. The current owners are hesitant to acknowledge the hotel’s haunted history, fearing that the truth might scare away potential guests. This secrecy only adds weight to the belief that the hauntings are indeed real.
