By now, you've probably heard that Oregon is filled with haunted places. From the famous Shanghai Tunnels, to the spooky Oregon State Hospital, the Beaver State is no stranger to ghostly happenings. Whether you've heard of the following 9 little known haunted places or not, they're bound to send a chill running down your spine.
Take a look:
1. Liberty Theatre (Astoria)
Built in 1924, the historic Liberty Theater has played host to a wide range of famous entertainers, including Duke Ellington. Today, the spirit of "Handsome Paul" is said to linger here. Performers have reported seeing him wandering around dressed in a white tuxedo, slamming doors and making peculiar noises. And when he's in the mood for a midnight snack, he turns the popcorn machines on.
2. Lotus Isle Amusement Park (Portland)
Once Portland's largest amusement park, Lotus Isle has a downright surreal history. The short-lived park ran from 1930 to 1932. Due to its dark past, which involved the ballroom burning down, a boy falling off of the roller coaster, and the owner committing suicide, it is believed to have been haunted.
3. Independence, OR
Located across the Willamette River from Salem, this small community is surrounded by a haunting legend. Rumor has it that a 15 year old girl threw herself from a glass window after learning about the death of her sweetheart. Her ghost has been spotted around town on countless occasions. As if that weren't enough, a local business owner also uncovered a mysterious skeleton in his attic.
4. Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls)
Many strange events have been reported near the old campus site of the Oregon Institute of Technology. The history of the area dates back to 1944, when Marine Recuperation Barracks were built by the U.S. Government for the rehabilitation of Marines. OIT (then known as Oregon Vocational School) began operating in 1947, providing continuing education to veterans returning from war. Over the years, many strange events have been reported in this location. It is said that there is a spot on the gravity hill where cars roll up hill while in neutral. The university relocated across town in 1964.
5. Columbia Gorge Hotel (Hood River)
Over the years this grand hotel has played host to the likes of Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, during the 1930s, it was used as a retirement home for lumber workers. The property was converted back into a hotel in the late 1970s, but the spirits of some of the former residents remain. For some haunted fun, you can book a stay here.
6. Sparrow Bakery (Bend)
This quaint little bakery is probably one of the last places you would expect to be haunted. Yet many employees have reported having ghostly encounters. The unruly bakery ghost is thought to be responsible for loud crashes, opening and closing doors, and even sneaking bread.
7. North Portland Library (Portland)
Is there anything scarier than a haunted library? Constructed in 1913, the North Portland Library is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who wanders the second floor meeting room. The second floor is kept closed and locked when not in use, but a dark figure has still been spotted on security cameras.
8. South Eugene High School (Eugene)
According to local legend, a student fell to his death in the school's auditorium back in the 1950s. The student - Robert Granke - is said to haunt the school to this day. He can often be heard walking around the auditorium. There's a "Robert Granke" chair in the theater where students have reported feeling a strange presence.
9. Pendleton Underground (Pendleton)
Beneath the streets of Pendleton lies a secret district with a fascinating history. The world-famous Pendleton Underground is a network of tunnels that were once home to a number of legal and illegal businesses. This mysterious place is, of course, the most haunted place in Pendleton.
For more information on the underground, click here.
Did any of these ghost stories surprise you? What places did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!