Did you know paranormal encounters are more common in the fall and winter? It could be because we Northwesterners retreat indoors for the season, where we're more likely to experience inexplicable phenomena. Maybe it's the result of the dreary weather, which primes people to interpret mere coincidences as ominous. Still, others suggest that cold weather affects the supernatural like it does us, heightening their activity. Whatever the reason, as the days get shorter, it's prime time to see ghosts in Washington State, and no excursion is more haunting than this Port Townsend ghost tour.

By day, Port Townsend is renowned for its picturesque beauty, attracting more than two million tourists annually who marvel at its views of Puget Sound and delight in its history. But by night, you may not know that this Victorian gem has a reputation for being one of Washington's most haunted destinations.

For best results, arrive at this coastal town by ferry on a misty winter day. Though arguably less atmospheric, you can also reach Port Townsend by car. Whatever your mode of travel, take a page from the notes of any horror film's final girl and plan ahead! Keys should be accessible at all times and exit routes identified so you're not caught unprepared.

Port Townsend boasts abundant character for the same reason it harbors a vibrant paranormal community: its age. Once a territory managed by Coast Salish tribes, then a European settlement, this area has always been a hub of human activity, rendering it a rich site of colorful stories and seemingly unexplainable tall tales. It's also one of the few former lumber towns in Washington that never burned down, meaning it's preserved much of its original Victorian architecture.

New owners have converted many of these buildings into trendy restaurants, diverting shops, and even bed and breakfasts. The Jefferson County Historical Society operates some old homes, like the Rothschild House, as museums, allowing guests to filter through living spaces that have been meticulously preserved— down to the pale dollies on the former residents' beds.

Even in Port Townsend's charming downtown, you'll encounter details that acquire new sensibilities after dark. The Haller Fountain, for instance, though stunning, was gifted to the city in 1906 by resident Theodore N. Haller following the untimely deaths of his father and brother. This tragic backstory makes it a popular spot on local ghost tours.

If you weren't satisfied by the offerings of Port Townsend proper, you need only drive five minutes to Fort Worden Historical State Park, where abandoned structures buzz with sinister energy. Best enjoyed on drizzly days, visitors comb through these catacomb-like bunkers, heavy with the weight of the region's military past.

If you're a lover of the supernatural or simply willing to test your nerves, consider exploring this spooky small town with the guidance of a group like Twisted Tours. If you're anything like me, this Port Townsend ghost tour will stay with you for a long time, leaving you questioning stray shadows in the night.

If a ghost tour sounds like an experience you'd love to have, check out several other unique experiences in Washington for an unforgettable adventure.