Most Haunted Places in Oregon

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Most Haunted Places in Oregon - Photo

1. The Bagdad Theatre in Portland, Oregon 

 

The Bagdad Theatre, found in Portland, is one of the oldest movie theaters still open from the 1920s. The theatre is famous for hosting elite celebrities during the premiere of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in 1975. In 1989, the Bagdad Theatre earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. In the early 90s, the theatre became one of many historical buildings owned by the McMenamins brothers. The theatre makes our list because it is one of the most haunted locations in Oregon. Locals tell stories about a stagehand who tragically died while working in the backstage area. According to visitors, the man is often heard whispering behind the screen, and sometimes his ghostly apparition crosses in front of it.   

 

2. The Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon

 

The Roseland Theater dates back to 1922 when the building was a humble Apostolic Faith church. In the 1980s, the building became known in the music industry as the place to perform if you wanted to make it as a performer. The church transformed into the music venue dubbed the “Starry Night.” The venue, owned by Larry Hurwitz, became famous in the 90s after a publicity agent was found dead after a show. Many reports of paranormal activity suggest that the agent still haunts the building to this day. His angry whispers are often heard in the hallways of the theater before and after screenings.

 

3. The Hot Lake Hotel in La Grande, Oregon

 

The Hot Lake Hotel is one of the oldest historic buildings in Oregon dating back to 1864. In 1934, half of the buildings burned down. During WWII the building served as a nurse’s training school. After the war, the hotel changed hands several times before it became a hotel, museum, and spa. In 1979, the Hot Lake Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years the hotel has become known as one of the most haunted places to visit in all of Oregon. Many people report strange figures walking the grounds in the dead of night. Others hear strange voices and footsteps that staff believe are the former guests of the hotel. 

 

4. The Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, Oregon

 

One of the most historic hotels in all of Oregon is the Geiser Grand Hotel. It first opened its doors in 1889 and was known as the “Queen of the Mines” during the Gold Rush. For many years, the hotel hosted Oregon’s high-class society. When WWII began the hotel had to be used as a hospital and eventually Oregon’s wealthy patrons moved on to different hotels. For many years after the war, the hotel was abandoned. Eventually, it was restored and became the Geiser Grand hotel. According to local ghost hunters, the spirits of the hotel are mostly friendly. The most famous ghost of the hotel goes by the name “Lady in Blue” because she always appears to guests in a long flowing blue gown. 

 

5. The Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville, Oregon

 

The Dammasch State Hospital, opened in the early 1960s, was named after Dr. Ferdinand H. Dammasch one of the most famous mental health doctors in the state. The site, now demolished, was used to house the states mentally ill and infirm. After the hospital and its surrounding buildings were closed the state decided to build a women’s prison at the site.  Because the site was located within a couple of miles of suburban neighborhoods locals protested the build. County officials decided against angering the locals further and developed more housing at the site instead. Today, visitors of the site report seeing strange orbs floating about the grounds. Many people believe they are the spirits of the hospital’s long lost patients.  

 

6. Multnomah Falls in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

 

The Multnomah Falls is where the tallest waterfall in Oregon is located. To find the waterfall visitors take the trail that begins at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. The lodge itself dates back to 1925 and is one of the oldest historical sites in all of Oregon. At the highest point of the trail, visitors can view the breathtaking waterfall. According to locals, a Native American woman dove off the falls to her death. Hikers report seeing the shape of a woman appear just beneath the water’s surface during the winter months.   

 

7. South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon

 

South Eugene High School, built in the 1900s, is a historical site in Eugene, Oregon. Eugene is a well-known school for its hard-working teachers and students but locals also describe it as being one of the most haunted places in Oregon. One day, after class, a student was changing some lights up on a catwalk in the theater department. According to witnesses, the student tripped and crashed through the ceiling. He landed neck first on some of the metal auditorium seats and died instantly. Today, auditorium lights turn on and off on their own. Students report hearing footsteps and crashing sounds coming from the auditorium… as if the ghost is reliving his death. 

 

8. The Cathedral Park in Portland, Oregon

 

The Cathedral Park is one of Portland’s most loved public parks and dates back to 1915. The park received its interesting name because of the large Gothic arches that support the St. Johns bridge. The park is undeniably beautiful but underneath that beauty lies a dark past. A fifteen-year-old girl was murdered in the park. According to locals, she was waiting for a ride to work but when her ride arrived she was nowhere to be found.  A couple of days went by before her body was found near the St. Johns bridge. Today, park-goers often hear the terrified screams of a young girl as they walk the park just before sunset.    

9. The Lotus Isle Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon

 

This old world amusement park opened its doors in the early 1930s. At the time of its creation, it was the biggest amusement park of its kind in Portland. Unfortunately, this was during a time when safety equipment hadn’t been fully developed yet and it led to many deaths. According to local historians, one of the attractions burned down and a roller coaster malfunctioned killing a little boy. As the park began to decline the owner became depressed and committed suicide. Today, the park is no longer in operation but the site itself is one of the most haunted locations in Oregon. The sounds of ghostly coasters and unseen crowds can still be heard to this day. 

 

10. Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon

 

Just outside downtown Portland is the Oaks Park amusement park. It is one of the oldest remaining parks of its kind dating back to 1905. Guests can enjoy games, over a dozen rides, and even a skating rink. The park also has one of the most historical working carousels dating back to the early 1900s! Because of its old age, it comes as no surprise that there are many reports of paranormal activity surrounding the park. Staff report seeing ghostly apparitions playing around the carousel just before closing time…

 

11. Reed College in Portland, Oregon

 

The Reed College dates back to 1908. The college held its first classes in the early 1900s and is still functioning today. The college was named after famous Oregonians Simeon G. Reed and Amanda Reed. During the early 1960s, it was reported that the school had a major drug problem. Unfortunately, a couple of students died from overdosing. Students and faculty alike have reported strange noises coming from the common room late at night. Many people believe its the spirits of the students who died are still there to this day. 

 

12. The Rimsky-Korsakoffee House in Portland, Oregon

 

The Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is found in southeast Portland. It is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Oregon, dating back to the early 1900s. The coffeehouse is named after a famous Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov and features classically themed decor. According to staff members and locals alike, the coffeehouse is haunted. Many people believe the building’s original owner, Goody Cable, still resides there. After the business is closed for the night she has been known to play classical tunes in what used to be her living room. Whether you’re interested in ghosts or a good cup of coffee we promise you’ll be in good company!

 

13. The Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland, Oregon

 

The Tryon Creek State Natural Area functions as a state park in Portland.  It is the only park in Oregon that resides inside of a major city. Tryon Creek is around six-hundred acres and features beautiful scenery and wildlife. The Oregon Iron Company harvested wood from the area in the early 1800s and according to local historians, many of the workers died. Logging was a dangerous business, especially back then, and many workers were killed. One trail goer reported hearing the sound of hoofbeats and smelling fresh-cut pine as he walked the North Rim Trail. When he turned the corner there was no one there. He immediately turned around and left the park. 

14. The Oregon Caves Chateau in Southern Oregon

 

The Oregon Caves Chateau dates back to 1934 and is one of the oldest hotels in the United States. In 1987, the site became a National Historic Landmark. Locals tell stories of a honeymooning couple that visited the Chateau in the 1930s. Apparently, the husband left the room to get something to drink. When he didn’t come back the bride went to find him. She found him embracing another woman and became so upset that she threw herself out of their bedroom window. Today, guests report hearing the sounds of shattering glass and a woman’s scream just after nightfall. 

15. Fort Stevens in Hammond, Oregon 

 

Fort Stevens is an abandoned military base at the mouth of the Columbia River. Originally built during the Civil War, it functioned from the early 1800s to 1947. Today, visitors say the fort is haunted by the ghosts of dead soldiers from the Civil War. Many people hear strange voices and footsteps in and around the fort. Some people have reported seeing a male spirit in full army gear who appears and disappears with a flash! 

 

Works Cited

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