While Washington is known for its natural beauty, the state is also rich in history, including a spooky side filled with tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. From historic hotels to abandoned towns, here are 12 rumored haunted places in Washington State to explore.
Haunted Places in Washington State
1. Hotel Sorrento, Seattle
Opened in 1909, Hotel Sorrento exudes nostalgic, turn-of-the-century charm. The staff at the Sorrento pride themselves on accommodating all guests, including the benevolent ghost of author Alice B. Toklas. Although Alice lived in Seattle in the 1890s, she was laid to rest in Paris in 1967 alongside her partner, novelist Gertrude Stein. Many speculate the hotel sits on or near the site of Alice’s former family home, causing her spirit to linger.
Guests have reported paranormal activity around Room 408 and feeling a ghostly presence when sitting by the cozy, green-tiled fireplace in the Fireside Room. On occasion, she’s even said to be seen strolling through the garden in her fur coat.
2. Hotel De Haro, San Juan Island
Nestled in Roche Harbor, the Hotel De Haro is said to be home to the spirit of Adah Beeny, who worked for the hotel’s original owners, the McMillin family. The McMillins built the hotel in 1886, later adding a family mausoleum in the nearby woods. Visitors can walk the forested path to the open-air mausoleum, which features a massive limestone table and chairs that hold the family ashes.
The historic hotel and mausoleum lend a mysterious atmosphere to the tiny hamlet, beckoning visitors to explore. By day, San Juan Island offers a variety of decidedly un-spooky activities, including whale watching, hiking, local art, and shopping.
3. The Tokeland Hotel, Tokeland
Located along the coast, the Tokeland Hotel dates back to 1885 and is considered one of the mosthaunted places in Washington State. According to multiple accounts, the primary ghostly resident is a Chinese immigrant named Charley, who tragically died while hiding in a secret compartment behind the fireplace. Guests of the hotel have reported flickering lights, strange noises, and even apparitions that disappear into thin air. If you dare to stay, be sure to add your own notes to the hotel’s paranormal logbook.
4. The Shelburne Hotel, Long Beach Peninsula
A few blocks from the tranquil beaches of the Pacific Ocean sits the Shelburne Hotel. Dating back to 1896, this historic hotel is said to be visited by the original owner, Charles Beaver. Legend has it he roams the top floors, stomping loudly as he moves down the hallway. Visitors have reported feeling a tap on the shoulder or a presence sitting down on the bed.
In the mood for more ghost stories? Venture down the coast to the North Head Lighthouse, one of two lighthouses at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River in Cape Disappointment State Park. It’s said the wife of the first lighthouse keeper can be seen roaming the cliffs.
5. Pike Place Market, Seattle
A bustling shopping center known for its fresh seafood and vibrant flower bouquets, Pike Place Market is also rumored to be visited by spirits, most notably that of Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), the eldest daughter of Chief Seattle. Shopkeepers also say they frequently catch glimpses of Arthur Goodwin, one of Pike Place Market’s first managers, as he browses books at the Goodwin Library near the market entrance. Join a ghost tour to learn more about the city’s history and spooky past. Spooked in Seattle offers walking tours through the market and Pioneer Square, ending at the haunted Merchants Cafe & Saloon.
6. Port Gamble
This tiny town on the Kitsap Peninsula is considered one of the most haunted places in Washington thanks to multiple haunted locations. The Walker-Ames House, a Victorian mansion, is infamous for reported paranormal activity, including apparitions of a young woman known as “the nanny” and unexplained children’s laughter coming from the attic. Take a guided ghost tour with Port Gamble Ghost Tours and be sure to visit the Port Gamble Historic Museum to learn the full story of this old mill town. Time your visit for fall to take in the changing leaves and attend the annual Ghost Conference in early November.
Also See: Kitsap Peninsula Road Trip Guide
7. Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
This iconic landmark in downtown Bellingham is rumored to have four resident ghosts, with reports of unexplained noises, cold spots, and random sightings. One of the most frequently reported spirits is known as Judy, who is believed to have lost her home to the theater’s construction. She is said to haunt the theater, playing jokes on employees and patrons. Her favorite pastime includes pestering men in the lavatory.
8. Concrete Theatre and Northern State Hospital, Skagit County
Several spooky spots can be found in Skagit County, including Concrete Theatre and the former Northern State Hospital campus, making it a great destination for those looking to explore haunted places in Washington. Located in Concrete, the historic movie theater from 1923 is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a former projectionist. Test your bravery in the dark during a movie, or opt to listen to bone-chilling stories on a Concrete Ghost Walk, which are offered every Saturday evening in October.
About 30 minutes west of Concrete in Sedro-Woolley, the Northern State Recreation Area is home to the remains of Northern State Hospital, a former mental institution. At one time, over 2,000 patients lived here, with many of them dying from various causes during their residence. The cemetery and many of the original buildings still stand, now dilapidated and overgrown with weeds. Although peaceful, the area is said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients and staff. The most common sighting is of a nurse pushing a patient in a wheelchair.
Today, the recreation area is a popular outdoor recreation destination despite its past. Visitors can explore the sprawling grounds, which include hiking trails and a disc golf course.
9. Fort Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver
Dating back to the 19th century, Fort Vancouver began as a fur trading post before serving as a military encampment. This historic site on the Columbia River has many stories and secrets hidden within the barrack walls, including a few ghosts. Most paranormal activity is reported at The Grant House, located on Officers’ Row. Staff members have reported strange phenomena, including a phone ringing despite not being plugged in, doors opening and closing on their own, and even a ghostly figure nicknamed “Sully” who enjoys a cup of coffee in the cafe.
Take a haunted history tour with the Clark County Historical Museum and see if you believe in ghosts. The tour starts at the museum every Friday in October.
Also See: Vancouver WA Travel Guide
10. Port Townsend
Renowned as one of the most haunted places in Washington State (and possibly the country), this seaside town on the Olympic Peninsula offers a special opportunity to explore the paranormal. The area is reportedly home to 25 haunted sites, including Manresa Castle, Fort Worden Historical State Park, and several hotels.
In town, the historic Palace Hotel built in 1889 welcomes visitors with Victorian charm. Once a brothel, the hotel is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of some of the women who worked there, including the “Lady in Blue,” Claire. Fueled by unrequited love, she’s said to roam the hallway and occupy her former residence, Room 4. Hotel staff report guests hearing strange noises, smelling a sweet perfume, and even catching a glimpse of a forlorn figure. Claire is one of possibly 10 spirits said to reside in the hotel.
The town offers a variety of haunted tours and events, including ghost walks, haunted houses, and paranormal investigations, allowing visitors to dive deeper into the town’s spooky history.
11. Monte Cristo Ghost Town
If you love hiking and ghost towns, then head to this eerie abandoned mining town northeast of Seattle. The 8.5-mile out-and-back hike starts at the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls and follows a route taken by miners over a century ago. At the center of the town, a few relics and structures remain, some of which are said to be haunted by the miners.
12. Oxford Saloon, Snohomish
Step into the Oxford Saloon for a glass of wine or a local brew and mingle with the resident ghosts at one of Washington’s most haunted bars. Originally built in 1900, the saloon became infamous for its history of violence, particularly in the basement and around the men’s card room. One well-documented incident involves the murder of Henry, a policeman and saloon regular who may have also worked as a bouncer. Henry is often seen on the basement stairs and in the women’s restroom. At the bar, sidle up for drinks and see if you get to meet the other ghosts said to haunt the bar stools.
About the Author
MaryRose Denton is a freelance travel writer who grew up in Seattle and now calls Anacortes her home. She enjoys writing about local culture, PNW history, and the state’s rich agriculture along with sustainability and wellness adventures. Her work can be seen in Seattle Refined, Edible Seattle, NW Travel & Life, Irish Independent, Wander With Wonder, and her blog, MerakiTravels.org.
Featured image credit: Richard Schmitz