Washington State is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant coffee culture, but it’s also home to some seriously eerie destinations. If you’re a traveler with a taste for the paranormal, check out these haunted hotspots that promise chills and thrills.
Working with the folks at ParaRational.com, we’ve put together list list of ghostly theaters, abandoned ghost towns, and Washington’s creepiest places to explore—if you dare
1. Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
Built in 1927, the Mount Baker Theatre is a stunning Spanish-style venue with red velvet seats and a massive Wurlitzer organ that still captivates audiences. Its beauty hides a darker side, as visitors frequently report shadowy figures darting across the balcony and disembodied whispers echoing in the halls. Cold spots and unexplained footsteps have made it a favorite for paranormal investigators. Ghost tours are offered, giving thrill-seekers a chance to experience the eerie atmosphere firsthand.
Learn More About the Mount Baker Theatre Hauntings
2. Manresa Castle, Port Townsend
Constructed in 1892 as a private residence, this grand castle later served as a Jesuit monastery before becoming a hotel. Guests in Room 306 often report unsettling experiences, such as TVs turning on by themselves and loud, inexplicable knocks at night. Many claim to have seen a ghostly nun in the attic, believed to be a remnant of the building’s religious past. The castle’s elegant architecture only adds to the chilling ambiance for those brave enough to stay.
Learn More About the Hauntings At The Manresa Castle
3. Walker-Ames House, Poulsbo
This opulent 1904 mansion, adorned with intricate stained glass and ornate woodwork, was once home to a prominent lumber family. Visitors and locals report eerie phenomena like unexplained footsteps echoing through empty rooms, doors that lock on their own, and sudden cold drafts that defy explanation. Though privately owned and not open for tours, its ghostly reputation makes it a haunting sight to behold from the street. The house’s grandeur only amplifies its mysterious and unsettling aura.
Learn more about the hauntings at the Walker Ames House
4. The Oxford Saloon, Snohomish
Originally a general store in the early 1900s, the Oxford Saloon is now a lively bar with a haunting twist. It’s said to be home to Henry, a policeman killed in a bar fight, whose spirit causes lights to flicker and drinks to slide inexplicably across tables. Patrons have also reported hearing faint laughter and feeling sudden cold spots near the bar. The saloon’s historic charm makes it a must-visit for those seeking a spirited night out
5. Old City Hall, Tacoma
Completed in 1893, this Romanesque-style building once bustled with city officials but now stands largely vacant, save for its ghostly residents. Security guards have reported hearing phones ring in empty offices, seeing lights flicker erratically, and encountering shadowy figures in the corridors late at night. The grand architecture, with its towering clock and intricate stonework, adds to the eerie feeling of stepping into a haunted past. Paranormal enthusiasts often visit, hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectral activity.
Learn More About the Old Tacoma City Hall Hauntings
6. Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
Built in the early 1900s using bricks from a 400-year-old English manor, Thornewood Castle blends luxury with an unsettling supernatural presence. Guests frequently report seeing reflections of people in mirrors who aren’t physically present and hearing whispers in empty rooms. The castle’s sprawling gardens and gothic interiors only heighten the sense of mystery. It gained fame as a filming location for Stephen King’s Rose Red, making it a bucket-list stop for horror fans.
7. Monte Cristo Ghost Town, Cascade Mountains
Nestled in the rugged Cascade Mountains, Monte Cristo was a bustling 1890s mining town until floods and fires left it abandoned. Accessible only by a challenging hike, the ghost town is said to be haunted by the spirits of miners, with visitors reporting faint whispers and the sound of pickaxes in the distance. The crumbling buildings and remote location create an eerie atmosphere that feels frozen in time. Adventurous hikers are drawn to its haunting history, but the isolation adds an extra layer of spookiness.
Whether you’re chasing ghost stories or just love a good scare, these Washington destinations offer a hauntingly good time. Plan your spooky road trip, but maybe don’t go alone
Other Haunted Hikes in Washington State
8. Kells Irish Pub, Seattle
Housed in the historic Butterworth Building, once a mortuary, Kells Irish Pub is considered one of America’s most haunted bars. Patrons and staff report seeing apparitions, including a little girl with red hair and a man named Charlie in the mirror, along with glasses falling inexplicably and disembodied voices. The pub’s lively atmosphere contrasts with its dark past, where bodies were processed in the basement, leaving a lingering supernatural presence. Visitors can enjoy a pint while hoping for a ghostly encounter.
9. Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley
Operating from 1912 to the 1970s, this former mental institution once housed over 2,000 patients, many of whom died from treatments like lobotomies or neglect. Now abandoned, the sprawling campus is said to be haunted by apparitions, including a man in a wheelchair pushed by a spectral nurse, and eerie sounds echoing through the decaying halls. The overgrown buildings and nearby cemetery enhance the unsettling vibe, making it a hotspot for paranormal investigators. Access is restricted, but guided tours are occasionally available for brave explorers.
10. Pike Place Market, Seattle
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the U.S., but its vibrant atmosphere hides a haunted history. Visitors report sightings of Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle, wandering the stalls, along with unexplained footsteps and voices in the basement. The market’s past, built on a Native American burial ground, adds to its eerie reputation. Ghost tours offer a chance to explore its supernatural side amidst the bustling crowds.
11. Fort Vancouver, Vancouver
Dating back to the 1820s as a fur-trading post and later a military encampment, Fort Vancouver is steeped in history and paranormal activity. The Grant House on Officers’ Row is particularly haunted, with reports of doors opening and closing on their own, a ghostly figure nicknamed “Sully” sipping coffee, and unexplained ringing phones. The site’s strategic location on the Columbia River adds to its historical allure, drawing visitors for both its past and its ghostly tales. Haunted history tours in October offer a spine-chilling experience.
12. Black Diamond Cemetery, Black Diamond
This historic cemetery, tied to the region’s coal-mining past, is notorious for its eerie phenomena, including ghostly miners carrying swinging lanterns and disembodied voices on foggy nights. Visitors often report hearing whistling or feeling an unsettling presence, believed to be the spirits of workers who perished in mining accidents. The open, windswept landscape amplifies the spooky atmosphere, especially after dark. While accessible to the public, it’s a place that demands respect for its spectral residents.
13. Rosario Resort, Orcas Island
Built in 1906 as a private mansion by shipbuilder Robert Moran, Rosario Resort is now a luxurious hotel with a haunting reputation. Guests and staff report sightings of a ghostly woman, believed to be Moran’s wife, wandering the halls, along with unexplained piano music echoing from the mansion’s music room. The resort’s isolated location on Orcas Island and its grand, historic architecture amplify the eerie atmosphere. Visitors can stay overnight or take a tour, hoping to catch a glimpse of its spectral residents.
Final Thoughts On Washington’s Haunted Locations
While these are 13 of Washington State’s most haunted locations, they are far from all of them. If you have been to one of these locations and had a spooky experience, or know of one we should feature next, leave a comment below!
