There’s a chill in the air, and it’s not just the changing season. Portland’s spooks are coming out, and your family has a chance to experience them. It should be no surprise that spine tingling stories of ghost-sightings abound in our weird town. In fact, did you know we were once on the top ten list of most haunted spots in the U.S.? If you and your little ghosts are in the mood for a screaming good time, we’ve got your map of local haunts all picked out. Read on for all the ghostly details.
Witch's Castle in Forest Park
This abandoned stone structure deep in Forest Park was a mid-century ranger station, but it can be a spooky sight to stumble upon during an October hike. Located a half mile from Upper Macleay parking lot, it’s an easy hike for younger explorers. Pack a picnic and venture up the road to the Portland Audubon Society next, for an up-close visit with an eerie bird. You can cap off your day with a tour of Pittock Mansion which has a modest list of hauntings, such as windows closing suddenly and picture frames moving.
Pittock Mansion 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tours run on the hour from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 3229 NW Pittock Drive 503-823-3623 Online: pittockmansion.org/ Tours with admission is $7 for members, $20 for non-members.
Benson Hotel
This hotel in downtown Portland is said to be haunted by former owner Simon Benson. Built in 1913, it has hosted many U.S. presidents since William H. Taft., but that’s not what it’s best known for. Visitors regularly report visits by the resident spirits (there’s even a guest book dedicated to spooky encounters), and apparently they’re mostly friendly ghosts. For best results, plan an overnight with your ghostbusters in a room on the 7th, 9th, or 12th floors, which have had the most reports of ghost-sightings. The next day, you can complete your mini staycation with an excursion to Forest Park. (See our recs below.)
This 1926 historic landmark, is a favorite spot for locals to catch a flick while keeping an eye out for the resident ghosts. Most sightings have been in the upstairs lobby and screening rooms, but you never know. While the theater is currently shut down, they are streaming movies you can watch to support this local gem until it is opened again. You can even stop by an grab some bites from the concession. You never know, you might just catch a glimpse of a local ghost while you are there.
Open from dawn to dusk year-round, this is one of Portland’s oldest cemeteries, with a remarkable history that is well-tended by the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery. While their regular ghostly tour is canceled due to COVID, the cemetery is the perfect place to stroll with your kiddos and tell ghost stories while reading the ancient headstones. Bonus: It's also gorgeous this time of year. You might find walking through the leaves becomes one of your favorite fall family activities!
On 72 acres, the Edgefield property’s 3-par golf course, warm soaking pool, restaurant, and movie theater make it a great choice for a family getaway any time of year. But it’s the hotel’s haunted history that make it a spooky choice for Halloween. Room 215 has the most reports of ghostly sightings, and you can check out the log of paranormal activity at the front desk, where guests record what they see. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of a ghost, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable stay.
If you’re willing to venture a little further afield for your fright, head south to Salem for a visit to the Capitol building, where paranormal activity abounds. The current building was built in the 1930s, after the previous two Capitol buildings burnt to the ground. Reports of strange sightings have been common, and recorded since the mid 1990s. Witnesses have seen and heard everything from disembodied footsteps and soft voices in empty rooms, to doors slamming shut for no reason, and the apparition of a former representative, now deceased. If you don’t experience your own ghostly encounter at the Capitol building, visit the nearby Willamette Heritage Center, also said to be haunted, or consider a tour with Salem Ghost Tours.
This historic tavern is reportedly the most haunted restaurant in Portland, with a resident ghost named Nina (Nigh-na) who is frequently spotted wearing a black dress and studying diners. The restaurant was built in the former lobby of the 1880 Merchant hotel, and sits right on top of the controversial Shanghai tunnels, a series of underground passageways with an unproven history and documented paranormal activity. Old Town currently offers curbside pickup! It's the perfect place to grab an easy Halloween bite.