About Portland Ghosts: Why We're The Best

Our Founder

The founder of Portland Ghosts, part of the US Ghost Adventures family, is a former Marine whose passion for American history and community drives the heart of our tours. Though not a combat Marine, his military background instilled a deep respect for the preservation of stories that shape our past. Through Portland Ghosts, he brings the city’s haunted history to life while also giving back to the community. We support several charitable causes, including the River Mark Community Fund and a host of others. By joining us on a tour, you’re not only uncovering Portland’s spectral secrets but also supporting meaningful charitable efforts.

Real History | Real Hauntings

Portland’s hauntings are tied to its dark past. The Shanghai Tunnels were the site of brutal kidnappings, where victims were forced into labor, many never returning. Racial tensions, fueled by the Chinese Exclusion Act, led to violence against Chinese immigrants, leaving a lasting impact. Early fur traders faced harsh conditions and conflict, often meeting violent ends. The Panic of 1893 brought widespread poverty and despair. These tragedies have left their mark on Portland, with restless spirits still lingering, making the city a place where history’s darker moments continue to haunt.

Exclusive Stories and Locations

For those seeking even more haunted thrills, our extended tour offers exclusive stops that delve deeper into the city’s paranormal history. Available for an additional fee, these stops take you to locations not featured on the regular tour, offering a chilling glimpse into some of Portland’s most haunted places:

• Hoo-Doo Antiques: This antique shop is known for more than just its vintage treasures. Apparitions have been seen roaming the aisles, and many believe that the haunted items sold here carry the spirits of their former owners.

• Erickson Saloon: Once the site of a tragic arson, this saloon is haunted by the 11 residents who perished in the flames. Guests report cold spots and eerie noises as if the spirits still linger, forever tied to where they met their untimely end.

• Electric Lettuce: This unassuming spot has a supernatural twist. Visitors often find a lucky coin mysteriously left behind by a spirit. The coin is believed to bring good fortune—or perhaps a connection to the other side.

Best Local Guides

At Portland Ghosts, we believe that a city’s haunted history is best told by those who know it best—our local guides. With their deep knowledge of Portland’s history and haunted stories, these guides are experts at weaving together eerie tales that captivate and thrill. From haunted underground tunnels to forgotten ghost stories, our guides bring Portland’s haunted past to life in vivid detail. Their passion for sharing local legends and uncovering hidden truths makes each tour an unforgettable experience, filled with exclusive stories that can only be heard with Portland Ghosts.

Why is Portland so Haunted?

Portland’s haunted history is deeply tied to its turbulent past. The Shanghai Tunnels are a grim reminder of the city’s dark days when thousands were kidnapped and forced into brutal labor for ship captains. The tunnels still echo with the souls who suffered there. The city’s history is also marked by racial prejudice, especially during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, when Chinese immigrants faced violent discrimination and oppression. 

The Panic of 1893 brought economic devastation, leaving many destitute and desperate, while the early fur traders who settled the region often met violent ends in their quest for wealth. These tragedies have left an indelible mark on Portland, creating a city where the past refuses to rest and restless spirits roam.

Some of Our Favorite Locations

Portland Ghosts takes you to some of the city’s most notorious haunted locations, each with its own dark and eerie history. Here are a few of our must-see stops:

• The Harlow Hotel: Once home to a sea captain and his wife, this historic hotel is said to be haunted by the captain’s wife. Guests have reported eerie footsteps and glimpses of her ghost wandering the halls, still waiting for her long-lost love.

• The Shanghai Tunnels: Beneath Portland’s streets lies a dark chapter in the city’s past. The Shanghai Tunnels were the site of brutal kidnappings, with an estimated 1,500 people a year being captured and sold to ship captains. Their ghostly presence still lingers in the shadowy depths of these tunnels.

• The Benson Hotel: This elegant hotel is haunted by its original owner, Simon Benson. Guests and staff have reported sightings of his apparition, often seen inspecting the building as if still overseeing his grand creation from beyond the grave.

Interactive Experiences

We go beyond storytelling to offer an interactive experience that brings you closer to the otherworldly. You can enhance your tour by renting an EMF detector for a small fee, giving you the chance to detect and engage with the eerie energy of Portland’s haunted sites. And to commemorate your ghostly adventure, don’t forget to pick up a souvenir ghost plushie—your own little haunting to take home. Our tours provide a hands-on experience that lets you dive deeper into the otherworldly.

Featured In

Our tour has made waves in the media, with our tours being spotlighted in Smithsonian Magazine, The Travel Channel, and USA Today. Our commitment to delivering an engaging and authentic ghost tour experience has earned us a reputation for excellence. Come explore the haunted side of city with a tour that’s been recognized by some of the nation’s top publications.

What Our Guests Are Saying

“The tour was amazing!!! Our tour guide Victoria was such a great story teller and we absolutely loved the tour so much! We stayed after and talked to Victoria for about 20 minutes. She was amazing and such a caring person! She was super knowledgeable about it all and presented it in such an interesting fashion! She took the time to also get to know us and ask us questions! 10/10 would recommend with Victoria!” (5 Stars) -Micaela Harris

“This was a fun experience to learn a bit of fun history of Portland.Lori was a great tour guide. She made the adventure fun and engaging yet thrilling. I recommend renting the EMF machines. It makes experience more engaging.

Recommend getting the bonus tour.” (5 Stars) -W O’Brian

“Informative,  interactive and entertaining!!! My kids and I had a wonderful time, Brendan was the life of this ghostly tour 👻. We enjoyed the wild stories from Portland’s history along with  the sites and additional must see suggestions. It is a must for history and paranormal enthusiasts!” (5 Stars) Christina Goff

Photos and Experiences

We encourage photography throughout the tour, allowing you to capture the haunted essence of the Rose City. While other tours may restrict photos, we believe the spirits may want their moment in the spotlight. Many guests have left with more than they bargained for—strange lights, shadows, and even full apparitions have appeared in their photos. Snap away, but remember, you may not be alone.