Haunted Hotels in Oregon You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Oregon with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Oregon with haunted hotels
14 Haunted Hotels Found in Oregon
Old Wheeler Hotel
495 Highway 101 N, Wheeler, OR 97147, United States
The Old Wheeler Hotel is known for several resident ghosts. One is believed to be a former owner/manager, possibly named 'Mr. Wheeler' or a prominent local figure. Guests report feeling his presence, hearing footsteps, and encountering locked doors unlocking on their own. Another common report involves a woman in period dress, sometimes seen looking out windows or in hallways. Items have been known to move, and gentle touches have been felt, suggesting largely benign spirits connected to the hotel's long history.
Heceta Lighthouse B&B
92072 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, United States
Heceta Lighthouse B&B is famously haunted by 'Rue', believed to be the spirit of a former lightkeeper's wife mourning her drowned daughter. Guests and staff report encountering her presence, especially in the Victoria Room and the attic. Stories recount unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and fleeting glimpses of a woman in period attire, suggesting her continued connection to the property.
Lara House Bed and Breakfast
640 NW Congress St, Bend, OR 97701, United States
The Lara House is rumored to be haunted by members of the Lara family, particularly its original owner, Myra Lara. After her husband passed, Myra lived in the house until her death. Staff and guests have reported encounters suggesting a protective or watchful presence, attributed to Myra. This includes feelings of being watched, objects slightly moved, doors opening or closing, and occasional whispers. The activity is generally considered gentle and fitting for a spirit merely overseeing her beloved home.
Wolf Creek Inn
100 Front St, Wolf Creek, OR 97497, United States
The historic Wolf Creek Inn is known for several hauntings. The spirit of author Jack London, who once stayed and wrote here, reportedly lingers, especially in his preferred room. Other reported apparitions include a female stagecoach driver ('One-Eyed Charlie', though debated due to timelines), and more disturbingly, a 'vampire-like creature' seen mostly on the grounds. Guests and paranormal investigators have documented disembodied voices, flickering lights, objects moving inexplicably, and phantom piano music, with room eight identified as a hotspot for such paranormal activity.
McMenamins Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale, OR 97060, United States
McMenamins Edgefield has a long history, originally serving as the Multnomah County Poor Farm. Given its past housing the destitute, elderly, and infirm, numerous deaths occurred on the property. Guests and staff report various paranormal experiences across the vast estate, including sightings of former residents, phantom footsteps, unexplained noises, and eerie feelings. Specific areas like the main lodge and certain rooms are cited as having concentrated activity, attributed to lingering spirits from its poor farm days, possibly including former patients and staff like 'the lady in white'.
The Argonauta Inn
188 W 2nd St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States
The Argonauta Inn comprises several historic cottages. While not aggressively haunted, its age lends itself to ghostly tales. Some reports mention feelings of presence in certain cottages, perhaps former residents who were deeply attached to their seaside homes. Activity mentioned includes minor unexplained sounds, items slightly misplaced, or doors creaking open/closed. It's often described as subtle and connected to the long history of families residing there.
The Heathman Hotel
1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States
The Heathman Hotel is known for paranormal activity, specifically centered around rooms ending in '03', most notably room 703, 803, and 1003. Stories suggest a guest may have jumped or fallen to their death from one of these rooms. Reported phenomena include cold spots, strange noises, objects being moved or papers scattered, beds appearing slept in when rooms were vacant, and ghostly apparitions. Some believe these are signs of an entity trapped or re-living a tragic event.
McMenamins Grand Lodge
3505 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116, United States
Originally a Masonic and Eastern Star home for aged members and orphans since 1922, McMenamins Grand Lodge is thought to be inhabited by lingering spirits of its former residents. The most commonly reported ghost is 'The Lavender Lady', believed to be an elderly woman who passed away there; her scent often precedes her appearance. Other accounts include unexplained noises, children's laughter when no children are present, and objects moving. Paranormal activity is reported throughout, especially in rooms where residents spent their final days.
The Benson Hotel
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States
The Benson Hotel, particularly associated with its builder Simon Benson, is reported to have several spirits. Simon Benson himself, a noted prohibitionist, is sometimes allegedly seen, perhaps checking if guests are drinking alcohol. Other reported entities include a spectral little boy looking for his mother and various apparitions seen on specific floors and near the grand staircase. Staff have reported feeling watched, items moving, and cold spots.
Hotel Sylvia
267 NW Cliff St, Newport, OR 97365, United States
The Sylvia Beach Hotel (often referred to simply as Hotel Sylvia) is named after Sylvia Beach, founder of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris. While perhaps not intensely haunted, there are reports linked to its literary theme and age. One specific spirit mentioned is named 'Rue', similar to Heceta Lighthouse, sometimes associated with Room 4 (Agatha Christie room) involving mysterious occurrences like books falling or being rearranged, and ghostly whispers. Some believe former patrons or book lovers may linger.
The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs
66172 OR-203, La Grande, OR 97850, United States
Hot Lake Lodge has a deeply layered history, serving as a Native American site, an early resort, and notably, a sanatorium/hospital known as 'the Mayo Clinic of the West' which saw many illnesses and deaths, including experimental surgeries. It even had a crematorium. Ghostly encounters reported include former patients, doctors, nurses, and residents. Full-bodied apparitions, disembodied voices, piano music, unexplained smells, and feelings of being touched are common, spanning across the entire property, from patient rooms to the old operating rooms.
White Eagle Saloon & Hotel
836 N Russell St, Portland, OR 97227, United States
The White Eagle is considered one of Portland's most haunted places, steeped in stories connected to its past as a hub for sailors, questionable dealings, and possible connections to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. It's said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including 'Rose', believed to be a former working girl who was possibly killed on site, and 'Sam', a former caretaker. Guests and staff report being pushed, touched, smelling unexplained perfumes, witnessing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and objects moving, particularly in the basement (connected to tunnel lore) and guest rooms upstairs.
Geiser Grand Hotel
1996 Main St, Baker City, OR 97814, United States
The Geiser Grand Hotel is reportedly haunted by multiple entities stemming from its rich and varied history, including use as a WWII hospital and connections to Gold Rush era activities. Notable spirits include a 'Lady in Blue' (possibly 'Granny' Annabelle residing in room 302) often seen on the main staircase, a former chef decapitated by a dumbwaiter who haunts the kitchen area with noises, a saloon girl on the balcony, a cowboy in the bar, flapper-era women, and general activity in room 203. Underground tunnels linked to former brothels and prohibition activities further contribute to its haunted lore, investigated even by paranormal groups.
Red Lion Hotel Pendleton
304 SE Nye Ave, Pendleton, OR 97801, United States
The Red Lion in Pendleton is often mentioned in connection with Pendleton's rich Old West history, including its underground tunnels. While specific stories connected directly to THIS hotel building can be elusive, geographic proximity links it to area legends. Some claim residual energy or spirits tied to the broader historical events of Pendleton, including frontier conflicts or activities within the underground network, might drift or manifest generally. Anecdotal reports mention uneasy feelings in certain parts of hotels in town, including odd noises or fleeting shadows attributed to this historic context.
Haunted History of Oregon
Oregon's misty forests, dramatic coastline, and rugged pioneer past create the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. The state's haunted history is deeply connected to the hardships of the Oregon Trail, its often-brutal maritime and logging industries, and the shadowy goings-on in its early boomtowns. From the coastal specters of shipwrecked sailors to the restless spirits of those who sought fortune and found tragedy, Oregon is teeming with ghostly folklore that feels as ancient as its towering Douglas firs.
One of the state's most infamous legends is that of the Shanghai Tunnels beneath Portland, where unsuspecting men were supposedly kidnapped and sold to ship captains. The spirits of these "shanghaied" victims are said to still cry out from below the city streets. Further afield, coastal tales like the "Bandage Man" of Cannon Beach, a gruesome ghost of a logger who terrorizes teens in cars, and the mournful spirits of lonely lighthouse keepers add to a statewide tapestry of terror that is as wild and untamed as the landscape itself.
Other Haunted Attractions in Oregon
- Portland's Shanghai Tunnels: Dive into the city's dark history with a tour of the infamous underground. Guides from groups like the Portland Walking Tours will lead you through the cramped passages where the ghost of a shanghaied sailor named "Nina" is said to linger.
- Pittock Mansion: This stunning historic home overlooking Portland is said to be forever occupied by its original owners, Henry and Georgiana Pittock. Staff and visitors at the Pittock Mansion report the scent of roses (Georgiana's favorite flower), the sound of footsteps, and portraits that move on their own.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse: Perched on a dramatic cliff, this is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country—and one of the most haunted. The spirit of "Rue," believed to be the wife of a past lighthouse keeper, is said to haunt the keeper's cottage, now a B&B. You can visit the grounds at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint.
- Battery Russell at Fort Stevens State Park: A former military defense fort that saw action in the Civil War and was even fired upon in WWII. Visitors to the concrete bunkers of Battery Russell report encountering ghostly soldiers on patrol, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of being watched.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Oregon
- Embrace the Weather: Oregon's famous rain, mist, and fog create the ultimate spooky atmosphere. Pack layers and a good raincoat, and let the gloomy weather enhance your ghost hunt.
- Explore Beyond the City: While Portland has its share of haunts, don't miss the ghostly lighthouses on the coast, the haunted inns of the Cascade Mountains, or the spectral boomtowns of Eastern Oregon.
- Charge Your Flashlight: Many of Oregon's best haunts, like old forts and pioneer cemeteries, are best explored at dusk. A powerful flashlight is your best friend when investigating dark corners for things that go bump in the night.
- Book a Stormy Stay: For a truly atmospheric coastal ghost hunt, book your stay during the fall or winter storm season. Nothing says "haunted" like howling winds and crashing waves outside your window.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Oregon
Are haunted hotels in Oregon safe to stay in? Absolutely! All hotels, haunted or not, must comply with strict safety regulations to operate. The spooky stories are part of the fun and history, not a danger to guests.
What is the most haunted hotel in Oregon? Oregon has many contenders, from the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City to the various haunted McMenamins properties. The "most haunted" is a matter of spirited debate, so check out our listings to find the ghost story that calls to you!
Do haunted hotels in Oregon offer ghost tours? Many of the state's historic and haunted hotels do! Some offer formal tours, while others have staff who are happy to share their ghostly experiences. Always ask the front desk when you check in.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most haunted hotels are welcoming to families, but it depends on the specific hotel's policies and the nature of the haunting. It's always a good idea to call ahead and use your discretion based on your child's temperament.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Oregon? Autumn is the classic choice, with Halloween events and crisp, spooky evenings. However, Oregon's misty, gray winters offer a uniquely chilling and atmospheric experience for any paranormal investigator.