One Of The Most Haunted Cemeteries In Northern California Is Also The Most Beautiful

There’s certainly no shortage of haunted places in Northern California. From creaky old mansions to spooky streets, you can find a taste of the supernatural all over our region. And if you find yourself looking for “haunted cemeteries near me,” well, we’ve got plenty of those, too! One of the most beautiful cemeteries in NorCal just so happens to also be one that’s allegedly haunted. You’ll find Cherokee Cemetery in the Butte County city of Oroville. It’s a bit scary, but also incredibly beautiful, which makes for an interesting combination and quite the setting for one’s final resting place.

Wesley Johnson jr/Google Maps

This historic cemetery is private, so not just anyone can be buried here. The plot selection process is limited only to those who are residents from the surrounding Cherokee community.

carolyn R./Google Maps

According to one story, back in the early 1800s, a woman or young girl (the stories vary on her age) was brutally murdered. The townsfolk were outraged at such a heinous act, and imposed a death sentence on the murderer, demanding that he be burned at the stake. Allegedly, the spirit of the accused was so strong that even from the other side of the veil, he lurks around the grounds at night. Visitors report hearing blood-curdling screams that are meant to scare the daylights out of everyone within earshot.

Rebecca Steele (alpharaven)/Google Maps

The young man was so bereft over the untimely death of his father that he himself passed away that very evening. Although the story has no terrifying aftermath, many in the community believe that if you place flowers on the son's grave, you will be rewarded with a "thank you" visit shortly after. Others claim that you can sometimes spot the image of a boy as he attempts to hide behind a gravestone or foliage at Cherokee Cemetery.

Rebecca Steele (alpharaven)/Google Maps

A large group of dedicated volunteers from the Cherokee Cemetery Association do a marvelous job of meticulously caring for the grounds. Inviting walking paths, directional signage, and other aspects make a visit here a welcoming experience, haunted sightings aside.

Rebecca Steele (alpharaven)/Google Maps

Visitors say you can feel the energy of the deceased as you meander about this sacred community resting place.

You can learn more about this haunted cemetery in Northern California from the Cherokee Cemetery Facebook page.

There are so many things to do in Oroville – it’s a bustling city of about 20,000 people. Next time you’re traveling through the area, consider a stay in one of the many vacation rental homes in Oroville, CA on Vrbo.

Have you ever visited Cherokee Cemetery or do you have any other votes for “most beautiful cemetery in NorCal”? We’d love to hear your stories – share your experiences in the comments!

If you’re looking for other haunted spots in Northern California, there are several San Francisco cemeteries that are not for the faint of heart!