Portland is known for its unique charm, quirky culture and lush landscape. Beneath the surface lies a hidden world of haunted history and eerie stories that are perfect for a spooky adventure. If you’re in the mood for a good scare, here are the top 10 haunted places in Portland to visit as Halloween approaches.
These ten haunted locations in and around Portland give you plenty of chilling options to explore. Each location holds its own ghostly legends, historical intrigue and eerie encounters. Grab your friends and see if you encounter any of Portland’s resident spirits this spooky season.
Top 10 Haunted Places in and around Portland
1. The Shanghai Tunnels
Location: Underneath Portland’s Old Town
Haunting History: These infamous tunnels, also known as the Portland Underground, were once used for sinister purposes. The tunnels connected the basements of various businesses to the Willamette River. According to legend, unsuspecting men were kidnapped, sent out to sea and forced to work on ships. Ghostly figures and eerie noises have been reported in these dark, maze-like corridors.
What to Expect: Tours of the Portland’s Haunted Tunnels are available. Visitors often report a heavy, uneasy feeling along with strange whispers echoing through the tunnels. Be prepared to encounter something—or someone—otherworldly.
Photo by Jinil Patel
2. Pittock Mansion
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Drive
Haunting History: Built in 1914, the mansion was the home of Henry and Georgiana Pittock. The Pittocks were early Portland pioneers and the founders of The Oregonian newspaper. While the Pittocks have long since passed, it’s said that they never really left their mansion. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of the Pittocks, especially Georgiana, who is seen wandering the halls or checking on her beloved roses.
What to Expect: Apart from occasional ghostly sightings, people have reported the scent of roses in rooms where there are no flowers and unexplained cold spots. The mansion is a historical site with beautiful grounds. You’ll have a chance to enjoy the view even if the spirits don’t make an appearance.
I recommend taking a spooky stroll up to the Pittock Mansion via the Lower Macleay Trail. You’ll even walk right by the infamous Witch’s Castle.
Witch’s Castle along Lower Macleay Trail
3. The White Eagle Saloon
Location: 836 N Russell Street
Haunting History: The White Eagle Saloon dates back to 1905. It was known as the “Bucket of Blood” due to its rough reputation. The saloon has seen everything from gambling to violent brawls. Many say the past still lingers. Bartenders and patrons report encounters with spirits. One apparition is Sam, who lived upstairs at the White Eagle and sometimes helped at the restaurant.
What to Expect: Now a McMenamins location, the White Eagle Saloon offers live music and food, but many visitors also experience ghostly activity. Some report hearing whispers and seeing objects move on their own. If you’re brave enough, book a room—guests often hear footsteps in empty hallways.
4. Bagdad Theater
Location: 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Haunting History: Opened in 1927, this theater is a historic landmark with a haunted past. Originally a movie house and vaudeville venue, it’s rumored that a man who took his own life here in the early 1900s still haunts the building. Staff and patrons report sightings of shadowy figures and an unexplained chill in certain areas.
What to Expect: Now a McMenamins theater, it offers films and food, so you can settle in with a slice of pizza while you watch for any ghostly appearances. The eerie atmosphere is part of the charm of spotting the “phantom of the Bagdad.”
5. Lone Fir Cemetery
Location: 649 SE 26th Ave.
Haunting History: Dating back to 1855, Lone Fir is one of Portland’s oldest cemeteries and holds the remains of many of the city’s founders. The cemetery is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a woman in a Victorian dress and a man with an unsettling gaze. There are many beautifully haunting features of the cemetery, including a towering neo-Gothic style mausoleum.
What to Expect: Take a tour of Lone Fir Cemetery for a glimpse into the history and ghostly lore of the cemetery. The quiet setting and historic tombstones create a naturally eerie atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a haunted experience.
6. Cathedral Park
Location: Underneath the St. Johns Bridge.
Haunting History: This scenic park may look peaceful by day, but locals say it has a dark side. The haunting dates back to a gruesome 1949 crime involving a young woman named Thelma Taylor, whose spirit wanders the area. Visitors and ghost hunters have reported feeling a presence, hearing cries for help and even seeing shadowy figures under the bridge.
What to Expect: The striking Gothic-style arches of the St. Johns Bridge lend an eeriness to the park, especially at dusk. While it’s a popular spot for picnics and photos, some report a sudden drop in temperature and the sensation of being watched.
7. Heathman Hotel
Location: 1001 SW Broadway
Haunting History: This luxurious historic hotel is well-known for its paranormal activity, particularly on the third floor. Numerous reports detail strange occurrences, such as cold spots, strange noises and ghostly figures. Also, guests in some rooms report waking up with the feeling of someone watching them or sitting on the bed beside them.
What to Expect: Stay a night if you’re brave enough, but be prepared for unexplained chills, odd sounds and even phantom knocks at your door. The hotel’s elegant vintage decor gives it an old-world charm, perfect for a haunting!
8. The Benson Hotel
Location: 309 SW Broadway
Haunting History: Another historic hotel with a spooky reputation, The Benson Hotel was built in 1912 by lumber baron Simon Benson. Guests have reported seeing apparitions of a well-dressed man, possibly Benson himself, as well as a woman in a long gown. Doors reportedly open and close on their own, and strange voices are heard in the hallways.
What to Expect: Many visitors come to this hotel hoping for a ghostly encounter. Rooms and hallways are where most reports of spectral sightings occur. For fans of haunted hotels, The Benson is a beautiful, if eerie, experience. You can also grab a drink in the beautiful bar and take in the old world charm as well as visitors from the past.
Ian Poellet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
9. The Old Multnomah County Poor Farm (McMenamins Edgefield)
Location: 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale,
Haunting History: Originally built in 1911, this building served as a poor farm for those in need. Over the years, it housed many who passed away on the property, and many of their spirits are believed to remain. Now a McMenamins hotel, brewery and entertainment destination, guests often report strange noises, lights flickering, and sightings of ghostly figures in the hallways and on the grounds. Also, staff even share their sightings of a little girl in the third floor hallway.
What to Expect: Visit Edgefield to spend the day exploring the vast property, featuring historic buildings, beautiful grounds and plenty of eerie spots where apparitions are often sighted. Enjoy a pint or two as you explore this haunted, history-rich locale.
Robert Gaskin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
10. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator
Location: 300 7th St., Oregon City
Haunting History: The Oregon City Municipal Elevator, a unique 130-foot tower connecting two parts of the city, has a ghostly reputation of its own. Built in 1915 and rebuilt in 1955, this elevator has long been a source of spooky sightings. Visitors report seeing shadowy figures in the elevator itself and on the upper and lower platforms, along with strange noises echoing in the elevator shaft.
What to Expect: This is one of only four municipal elevators in the world, and its eerie ambiance is magnified by the strange stories surrounding it. If you take a ride, keep an eye out for any unexplained shadows or sudden chills. Some say it feels as though someone is riding with you!
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