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 ghost towns, discover some of the places rumored to be haunted in Washington State.
As you explore, remember that many of these locations are active hotels, businesses, parks, and historic sites, so be respectful of guests, residents, and private property. Follow posted rules, stay in areas open to the public, and never enter closed or abandoned structures.
Haunted Places in Washington State
Hotel Sorrento, Seattle
Opened in 1909, Hotel Sorrento exudes nostalgic, turn-of-the-century charm. Over the years, employees and guests claim to feel the ghostly presence of Alice B. Toklas, a writer and partner to novelist Gertrude Stein. Although Alice lived in Seattle in the 1890s, she left the city before the hotel opened. Still, local lore maintains that her spirit haunts the fourth floor, particularly around Room 408 and the fireplace in the Fireside Room.
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. Businessman John S. McMillin 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.
The Tokeland Hotel, Tokeland
Located on Willapa Bay, the Tokeland Hotel dates back to 1885 and is considered one of the most haunted places in Washington State. According to local lore, one of the hotel’s resident spirits is Charley, a Chinese immigrant who is said to have died while hiding in a secret compartment behind the fireplace. Guests 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.
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 has accumulated plenty of ghost stories over the years, including tales of footsteps on the upper floors and unexplained taps on the shoulder.
Down the coast at North Head Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment State Park, it’s said the wife of the first lighthouse keeper can be seen roaming the cliffs.
Pike Place Market, Seattle
A bustling shopping center known for 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 report catching glimpses of the ghost of Arthur Goodwin, who took over management of the market in 1926. 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.
Port Gamble
This tiny town on the Kitsap Peninsula has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Washington. 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. The conference typically features speakers, classes, and paranormal investigations.
Also See: Kitsap Peninsula Road Trip Guide
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 reported spirits is known as Judy, whose origin story varies depending on who’s telling the tale. She is said to haunt the theater, playing jokes on employees and patrons.
Concrete Theatre and Northern State, Skagit County
Several spooky spots can be found in Skagit County, including Concrete Theatre and the former Northern State Hospital campus. 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 on Saturdays 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’s working farm, where patients once worked. Historic farm buildings, including dairy barns, still stand within the recreation area, while dilapidated hospital buildings can be seen nearby along Hub Drive. Although peaceful, the area is said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients and staff.
Today, the recreation area is a popular outdoor destination. Visitors can explore the sprawling grounds of the former hospital farm, home to hiking trails and a disc golf course, or view the exterior of ward buildings from the 1910s along Hub Drive. Please do not enter the buildings.
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 barracks 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 walking tour with the Clark County Historical Museum and see if you believe in ghosts. Tours take place Fridays and Saturdays in September and October.
Also See: Vancouver WA Travel Guide
Port Townsend
Renowned as one of the most haunted places in Washington State, Port Townsend offers a special opportunity to explore the paranormal. The historic seaport is home to numerous places associated with ghost stories, 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. Hotel staff report guests hearing strange noises, smelling a sweet perfume, and even catching a glimpse of a forlorn figure.
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.
Monte Cristo Ghost Town
If you love hiking and ghost towns, then head to this eerie abandoned mining town northeast of Seattle. The 8-mile round-trip hike follows a route taken by miners over a century ago. A few relics and structures remain, some of which are said to be haunted by the miners.
Oxford Saloon, Snohomish
Step into the Oxford Saloon and mingle with the resident ghosts at one of Washington’s most haunted bars. Established in 1910, the saloon has accumulated more than a century’s worth of colorful history and ghost stories. According to local legend, the ghost of a saloon regular named 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. See her work in Seattle Refined, Edible Seattle, NW Travel & Life, Irish Independent, Wander With Wonder, and her blog, MerakiTravels.org.
Featured image credit: Richard Schmitz