10 Things to See in Oregon if You’re Into the Creepy & Macabre

Oregon is a treasure trove for fans of the eerie, haunted, and downright unsettling. Here are ten must-see spots for those who crave the creepy and macabre:

1. The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland

Beneath Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown lies a network of tunnels infamous for their dark history of kidnapping and forced labor-so-called “shanghaiing.” These tunnels are widely considered the most haunted locale in Oregon, with countless tales of ghostly apparitions and chilling encounters.

2. Oregon State Hospital Museum, Salem

Located in the original Oregon Insane Asylum facility, this museum explores the disturbing history of mental health treatment. It’s also the filming site for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, adding to its unsettling aura. Artifacts, tunnels, and stories of the past make this a truly chilling destination.

3. The Witch’s Castle, Forest Park, Portland

This mossy stone ruin in Forest Park is shrouded in legend. Linked to a 19th-century murder and tales of curses and witchcraft, it’s a favorite for ghost hunters and those seeking a haunted hike.

4. Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City

This historic hotel is renowned for its paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spirits, making it a hotspot for supernatural enthusiasts.

5. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (“Terrible Tilly”), Ecola State Park

Perched on a storm-battered rock off the coast, “Terrible Tilly” has a reputation for being haunted by the souls of shipwreck victims and lighthouse keepers. Its isolation and violent history fuel ghost stories to this day.

6. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge

Oregon’s iconic waterfall is also home to a tragic legend: the ghost of a Native American maiden who leapt to her death to save her village. Many claim to sense her presence in the mist or see her face in the falls.

7. Hot Lake Hotel, Union County

Once a sanatorium and experimental medical facility, this 19th-century hotel has a long history of death and despair. It’s featured on paranormal TV shows and is rumored to be haunted by former patients and staff.

8. White Eagle Saloon & Hotel, Portland

Built in 1911, this former brothel and opium den is notorious for violent brawls and ghostly sightings. Patrons report being locked in rooms, hearing unexplained noises, and seeing apparitions.

9. Golden, Oregon (Ghost Town)

As one of Oregon’s best-preserved ghost towns, Golden offers abandoned buildings and a palpable sense of history. Visitors report eerie feelings and strange occurrences, especially after dark.

10. Cathedral Park, Portland

Under the gothic arches of the St. Johns Bridge, Cathedral Park is haunted by the spirit of Thelma Taylor, a teenager murdered here in 1949. Her ghost is said to linger, making this a somber and chilling site.

Whether you’re after haunted hotels, tragic legends, or abandoned towns, Oregon’s dark side is sure to thrill and chill even the most seasoned seekers of the macabre.

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