Ghostly Adventures: Portland’s Most Haunted Locations

Whispers in the dark… footsteps that aren’t there…

Halloween is just around the corner, and Portland’s spirits are restless! Are you ready for a ghostly adventure? Portland isn’t just known for its quirky charm and vibrant culture but also for being a hotspot for ghostly encounters. From eerie cemeteries to haunted hotels, the city offers plenty of spine-tingling spots for those searching for a scare. Feeling brave enough for a ghost “hunting?” Here’s your ultimate guide to Portland’s most haunted locations — perfect for a Halloween thrill that will leave you looking over your shoulder!

Lone Fir Cemetery

649 SE 26th Avenue
Hours: Everyday 7 am – 6 pm

Lone Fir Cemetery, Portland’s oldest burial ground, dates back to 1846 and serves as the final resting place for many of the city’s early founders. Some of the most prominent of these are Dr. James Hawthorne, who owned and directed the Oregon Asylum for the Insane, where he was known for his compassionate treatment of residents. Buried with care and dignity aside him are 185 of his patients.

The most noticeably interred at Lone Fir are banker and philanthropist Donald Macleay, after whom Macleay Park, which sits as  one of the entrances to Forest Park, is named. Resting with him in their the steep-roofed concrete mausoleum is his equally philanthropic wife Martha, who died during childbirth. There they spend their eternal nights, except for on Hallowed Eve!

Other notable early founders buried at Lone Fir include Frank Dekum, who built most of early Portland, Asa Lovejoy, who wanted to name the city Boston, lost that option in a coin toss to Francis Pettygrove, and nevertheless went on to found the Oregon City Woolen Mills as well as the first telegraph company and first Masonic Lodge in Portland.

Of even more historical significance in many ways is that at least 2900 Chinese Americans were buried in the cemetery’s southwest corner, most of whose remains were exhumed and repatriated to family burial grounds back in China.

It’s not just history that lingers here, however. Visitors often report hearing a woman crying and disembodied voices arguing among the tombstones. Paranormal investigators have even recorded unexplained sounds, adding to its eerie reputation. Wandering through the rows of gravestones, you might just feel the chill of unseen eyes watching you.

Old Town Pizza

226 NW Davis Street
Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays 3 – 10 pm

Housed in the historic Merchant Hotel building, Old Town Pizza is famous for more than just its delicious pies. Legend has it that the spirit of a woman named Nina, who was murdered in the building, haunts the place. Patrons have reported hearing whispers and taps on their shoulders as they dine. The historic charm and ghostly presence make for a uniquely spooky dining experience.

Pittock Mansion

3229 NW Pittock Drive
Hours: Everyday 12 – 5 pm

Perched high in the West Hills, and looking over spectacular view of the city below and Mount Hood in the far distance, the Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock. Though now a museum, it’s said to be haunted by its original owners. Visitors have reported seeing the ghostly figures of Henry and Georgiana floating through the rooms, and the mansion’s staff often experience strange occurrences, particularly in the basement and the master bedroom. The mansion’s grand architecture and panoramic views add to the otherworldly atmosphere.

The Crystal Ballroom

1332 W Burnside Street
Hours: N/A

The historic Crystal Ballroom, opened in 1914, is renowned for its “floating” dance floor and lively music events, but it’s also known for its spectral activity. Staff members and visitors have reported hearing shrieking voices and footsteps after shows, and seeing the elevator move on its own. Late at night, when the building is empty, people have heard the sounds of large, invisible gatherings. But when someone goes to investigate the noise, no one is found. The combination of music, history, and eerie occurrences makes it a must-visit for ghost hunters as well as dance and music lovers.

The White Eagle Saloon & Hotel

836 N Russell Street
Hours: N/A

Dating back to 1905, the White Eagle Saloon has a colorful and dark history. It’s connected to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. Once home to a brothel upstairs and an opium den in the basement, the saloon earned the nickname “Bucket of Blood” due to frequent brawls. Legend has it that the ghost of a murdered prostitute named Rose haunts the building, especially the basement, where patrons and staff have reported seeing her apparition and hearing her cries. Other ghostly sightings include a man descending to the basement after closing. Now a popular remodeled venue that has hosted renowned acts like ZZ Top, Robert Cray, and The Isley Brothers, the saloon’s lively ambiance is still punctuated by these ghostly encounters.

Cathedral Park

N Edison Street and Pittsburg Avenue
Hours: Everyday 5am to midnight

Located under the iconic St. Johns Bridge, Cathedral Park is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of 15-year-old Thelma Taylor, who was tragically murdered there in 1949. Locals report hearing her tortured screams and seeing shadowy figures, particularly at night. The park’s serene beauty belies its dark past, making it a hauntingly beautiful spot to visit.

Falcon Arts Community

5401-5425 N Albina Avenue
Hours: N/A

The Falcon Arts Community is said to have been subjected to a range of paranormal activities, including unexplained fires, objects moving on their own, whispers, and apparition sightings. These events are believed to be linked to a former resident, Mr. Cooke, whose restless spirit may still roam the building.

Rumor has it that two or three ghosts haunt the property, with late-night knocking on doors, rattling mailboxes, and sightings of two elderly apparitions wandering the corridors. In particular, Apartment 101 is known for unsettling incidents, including mysteriously shifted furniture, whispering voices, and inexplicable phone calls. Well, not surprisingly, perhaps due to its haunted history, this location is no longer an apartment complex. It does, however, house a warren of studios for artists whose jaw-dropping works can be enjoyed up-close during open-studio night every December.

McMenamins Edgefield

2126 SW Halsey Street, Troutdale
Hours: Everyday 24 hours

Once the Multnomah County Poor Farm, McMenamins Edgefield is now a hotel and entertainment complex that retains a haunted history. Guests have reported disembodied crying and sightings of a woman in white wandering the halls and grounds. The blend of historical ambiance and ghostly tales makes it a fascinating place to visit or stay at overnight.

The Heathman Hotel

1001 SW Broadway
Hours: Everyday 24 hours

Opened in 1927, the Heathman Hotel is reputedly haunted by the ghost of a guest who committed suicide by jumping from a window. Rooms ending in ’03 are particularly active with strange sounds and voices. Guests have reported feeling an eerie presence, unexplained cold spots, and mysterious disturbances, such as towels found used, furniture inexplicably rearranged, and glasses of water moved or missing. Some have even seen an apparition standing at the foot of the bed in Room 803.

The Benson Hotel

Location: 309 SW Broadway
Hours: Everyday 24 hours

Built in 1913, the Benson Hotel is known for both its luxurious ambiance and its resident ghosts. Simon Benson, the hotel’s original owner, is said to appear on the staircase, in the common room, and in the lower-level business offices. The spirit of a young boy is often seen on the 9th floor. Known to jump out and disappear into walls, this playful spirit sometimes prompts guests to leave candies and treats for him. A friendly night porter’s ghost has been known to assist guests in need before mysteriously disappearing. The Benson’s elegant charm and rich history blend with these friendly hauntings, making it an eerie hotel experience for guests.

Shanghai Tunnels

226 NW Davis Street
Hours: Weekdays 11am-9:30pm;
Fridays and Saturdays 11am-10pm;
Sundays 11am-6:30pm

The Shanghai Tunnels are infamous for their supposed dark history of human trafficking and forced labor. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, unsuspecting men were said to have been drugged, kidnapped and sold into servitude on ships bound for Asia. Today, the tunnels are said to be haunted by the restless spirits of those who suffered and perished there. Guided tours offer a chilling glimpse into this sinister past, complete with eerie encounters and unsettling tales.

Portland’s Underground

226 NW Davis Street
Hours: Weekdays 11am-9:30pm;
Fridays and Saturdays 11am-10pm;
Sundays 11am-6:30pm

Another layer of Portland’s haunted history lies beneath its streets. The Portland Underground, a network of tunnels and catacombs, is rumored to be home to numerous spirits. These tunnels were originally used to transport goods and Shanghai sailors. Many visitors report hearing ghostly footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling sudden drops in temperature. Exploring these underground passages is not for the faint of heart.

Dare to Explore?

Portland Eco House Has Got Your Back!

The ghosts of Portland’s past are waiting to greet brave souls seeking a spine-tingling experience. Whether you are a seasoned ghost hunter or simply craving a spooky adventure, these eerie locations will surely give you chills. But when you’ve had enough of ghostly encounters, wind down and relax in a safe, cozy haven at the Portland Eco House — your perfect spot to recharge and escape from all things supernatural!