Published Aug. 2nd, 2024

Oregon is known for its stunning, rugged landscapes, from coastal cliffs to towering forests. But beyond its natural beauty, this state has its share of mysteries, legends, and supernatural lore. As a fan of all things mysterious and a lover of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve stumbled across a few places in Oregon that are sure to intrigue those with an interest in the paranormal. From haunted historic hotels to eerie ghost towns and deep lakes rumored to hide legendary creatures, Oregon offers plenty of spots for anyone interested in getting up close and personal with the unknown. Here’s a collection of some of my favorite supernatural sites around the state—places you’ll want to experience firsthand if you’re brave enough.

The Haunted Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City

The Geiser Grand Hotel, in the heart of Baker City, is a beautiful 19th-century building with a chilling reputation for ghostly encounters. Built in 1889, this Victorian-style hotel once hosted travelers and miners alike, providing them with luxury and a touch of elegance in the middle of the Oregon frontier. Today, the hotel remains open to guests—and ghost hunters—who are drawn by its history and the tales of spirits roaming the hallways. Some visitors report sightings of “The Lady in Blue,” an apparition said to float through the dining room wearing a Victorian dress. Whether you’re after an otherworldly encounter or just a glimpse into history, the Geiser Grand Hotel offers both.

What makes this place especially fascinating is its preservation of old-world charm combined with an eerie sense of the unknown. The staff at the Geiser Grand are used to questions about the paranormal, even sharing their own stories of unexplained activity. There’s an undeniable energy within its walls, a mix of elegance and ghostly presence that leaves an impression. Some believe that spirits of past guests, reluctant to leave this luxurious setting, have decided to remain. For the curious and the courageous, a night at the Geiser is unforgettable and could just offer the encounter you’re looking for.

The Vortex at the Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill

The Oregon Vortex, also known as the “House of Mystery,” is a famous spot in Gold Hill where the laws of physics seem to bend, and the boundaries of reality feel just a little less solid. Open since the 1930s, this place has attracted visitors curious about its optical illusions and gravitational oddities. Objects appear to roll uphill, people seem to grow and shrink depending on where they stand, and compasses go haywire. Legend has it that Native American tribes avoided the area, believing it to be a spiritual portal or a forbidden place of powerful energy. The “Vortex” itself is a natural phenomenon that draws you in, challenging what you think you know about how the world works.

There’s a mystical quality to the Vortex that’s hard to describe unless you’re standing right there. Even the most skeptical visitors leave questioning what they’ve seen and felt. Whether it’s just a clever illusion or something more unexplainable, the Oregon Vortex captures the imagination in a way few places can. It’s one of those places that leaves you with goosebumps, a slight dizziness, and a deep sense of curiosity about the unseen forces at work around us. If you’re a fan of the paranormal or just fascinated by the mysteries of our world, the Vortex is an experience that’s hard to shake.

Crater Lake’s Phantom Ship

Crater Lake, with its breathtakingly deep blue waters and dramatic cliffs, is known for its beauty and its secrets. Among its mysteries is the "Phantom Ship," a small rock formation rising from the lake that looks eerily like a ghostly ship when viewed from certain angles. The lake itself was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and some locals believe it harbors spirits and mystical energies. There have been sightings of ghostly figures near the lake, and Native American folklore speaks of spirits in the water, adding to Crater Lake’s reputation as a place of both natural wonder and supernatural intrigue.

Visitors to Crater Lake can experience the Phantom Ship at dusk, when the formation truly lives up to its name, casting long, haunting shadows on the water. It’s a place that feels almost otherworldly, combining rugged, untouched beauty with a sense of quiet unease. There’s something about standing by those ancient, deep waters that stirs the imagination, making you feel the weight of its history. The Phantom Ship adds a layer of mystery to the landscape, reminding us that some places remain unknowable, even as we stand in their presence. For anyone seeking a mystical encounter, Crater Lake is the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and haunting mystery.

Jacksonville’s Britt Gardens and Cemetery

The historic town of Jacksonville, nestled in Southern Oregon, is not only a gem for history buffs but also a magnet for ghost hunters. Once a booming gold rush town, Jacksonville retains much of its old-world charm, and many of its original buildings still stand. The Britt Gardens, known for its outdoor concerts today, was once the home of Peter Britt, a pioneering photographer and horticulturist. Some say his ghost lingers in the gardens, as sightings of a shadowy figure matching Britt’s description have been reported. The nearby Jacksonville Cemetery is also a popular site for those interested in the paranormal, with gravestones dating back to the 1850s and countless stories of strange happenings.

There’s a quiet, almost eerie beauty to the cemetery, with its weathered headstones and towering trees casting shadows that make the atmosphere particularly spooky around dusk. Tales of whispering voices, faint lights, and ghostly figures wandering among the graves have long been a part of local lore. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Jacksonville’s Britt Gardens and cemetery provide a connection to a past that feels just a little closer when you’re standing among those historic monuments. It’s a place where history comes alive, often in ways that can’t quite be explained.

The Witch’s Castle, Portland

Nestled in Portland’s Forest Park, the Witch’s Castle (also known as the Stone House) is a crumbling structure with a dark and mysterious reputation. Originally built as a ranger station, it later became known as a hangout for teens and a spot for late-night ghost stories. Local lore suggests the house was connected to a 19th-century murder, where a jealous husband took revenge on his wife’s lover. Though the story is mostly myth, the ruins still draw visitors intrigued by its history and eerie ambiance. The damp, moss-covered stones and dense surrounding forest create an atmosphere that feels steeped in mystery.

Exploring the Witch’s Castle is a must for anyone interested in Portland’s supernatural side. Some visitors report hearing faint whispers or feeling a strange presence while walking through the structure. The forest itself seems to close in around you, adding to the sense that you’ve stepped into a place where reality and folklore intersect. Whether or not the legends are true, the Witch’s Castle remains a beloved—and spooky—spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place that makes you believe, even if only for a moment, that some stories may hold a grain of truth.

The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland

Beneath Portland’s lively streets lies one of its darker secrets: the Shanghai Tunnels. Used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these tunnels allegedly served as passageways for abducting men and women who were forced into labor on ships bound for Asia—a practice known as “Shanghaiing.” Today, the tunnels are rumored to be haunted by those unfortunate souls who never made it out. Visitors report hearing eerie footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling an oppressive energy that’s hard to shake. The tunnels offer tours, but be prepared—this isn’t a walk for the faint of heart.

There’s a palpable sense of history and tragedy woven into the walls of the Shanghai Tunnels. As you make your way through the dimly lit passageways, it’s easy to imagine the fear and desperation felt by those who found themselves trapped here. The guides share chilling stories that bring the past to life in a way that feels all too real. If you’re interested in Portland’s haunted history, the Shanghai Tunnels offer an unforgettable experience that will linger long after you’ve emerged back into the daylight.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Florence

Standing proudly along Oregon’s rocky coast, the Heceta Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely since 1894. But this scenic landmark is said to harbor more than just historical significance; it’s also known for its ghostly “Gray Lady.” Legend has it that this spirit is the restless soul of a former lighthouse keeper’s wife, eternally watching over the cliffs and sea. Some visitors claim to have seen a woman in Victorian attire standing in the windows or walking the halls of the keeper’s quarters, adding an eerie layer to this otherwise picturesque destination.

Heceta Head Lighthouse draws visitors not only for its views but also for the mystery that surrounds it. The fog and crashing waves seem to amplify its haunting beauty, creating a perfect setting for tales of the supernatural. Whether you’re there for the history or the legends, the lighthouse offers a unique experience that is both peaceful and spine-tingling. A visit here feels like stepping back in time, and for those open to it, you might just feel the presence of the Gray Lady yourself.

Oregon has no shortage of places where history, beauty, and the supernatural intersect, creating destinations that are as enchanting as they are eerie. From haunted hotels to ghostly lakes and historic sites, each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into the mysterious side of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re drawn to the unexplained or simply have a passion for the thrill of discovery, these destinations are perfect spots to fuel your curiosity. And if you enjoy mysteries and supernatural thrillers, dive into one of my novels to experience similar spine-chilling suspense. To learn more, contact me at mikewaltersnovelist@gmail.com —I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts on the mysteries that captivate us all.

Bio