Washington State is known for its lush landscapes and scenic beauty, but beneath its serene surface lies a rich history filled with tales of the supernatural. If you are interested in a fantastic mix of the historical and haunted, this article is for you!
I’ve never really been one to believe in ghosts, but when visiting these sites, I was moved by the two things: how much we really don’t know about the afterlife, and how much the paranormal can teach us about everyday life. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read on.
From historic houses to eerie forests, here are the most haunted places in the Washington State.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market in Seattle is not only the city’s most iconic tourist attraction, it is considered haunted and is known for its rich history of paranormal activity. Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. Its long history and the many people who have passed through its stalls and shops have contributed to numerous ghost stories and reports of supernatural occurrences.
I’ve been here late at night and there were some definite odd noises going on. Here’s why:
The Ghost of Princess Angeline
Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle, is one of the most famous ghosts associated with Pike Place Market. She lived in a small cabin near the market and was well-known by early Seattle settlers. Visitors and employees have reported seeing her apparition around the market, often described as a woman in a red scarf, shuffling along with a cane.
The Old Seattle Underground
Parts of Pike Place Market are connected to Seattle’s underground, a network of underground passageways and basements that were created after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. This underground area is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who once lived and worked there, as well as victims of tragic accidents.
If you want a true taste of Seattle’s Underground, I highly recommend the Seattle Underground tour. I’ve been on this tour four times and it NEVER gets old.
The Ghost of Arthur Goodwin
Arthur Goodwin, who managed the market in the early 1900s, is another spirit said to haunt Pike Place. Goodwin was dedicated to the market and is believed to still watch over it. His presence is often felt in the form of cold spots, unexplained noises, and occasionally, sightings of a man in early 20th-century attire.
The Bead Zone
The Bead Zone, a former bead shop in the market, has its own ghostly tales. Employees and visitors reported seeing beads moving on their own, feeling sudden drops in temperature, and hearing disembodied voices. The spirit is believed to be that of a former employee who loved the shop and continues to linger there.
The Butterworth Building
The Butterworth Building, part of Pike Place Market, once housed Seattle’s first mortuary. The building’s macabre history has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity. People have reported hearing phantom footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing a general feeling of unease, especially in the basement area.
Hotel Sorrento, Seattle
Built in 1909, the Hotel Sorrento is one of Seattle’s oldest and most luxurious hotels. It is also one of its most haunted. Guests and staff have reported seeing the ghost of Alice B. Toklas, a friend of Gertrude Stein, who is said to haunt the fourth floor. Mysterious occurrences, including moving objects and ghostly apparitions, have been documented throughout the hotel.
Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley
Once a mental asylum, Northern State Hospital closed in 1973 but left behind numerous ghost stories. Visitors to the abandoned site have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. The hospital’s grim history includes tales of mistreatment and unexplained deaths, contributing to its eerie atmosphere.
Maltby Cemetery, Maltby
Maltby Cemetery is shrouded in mystery and legend, with stories of a “13 Steps to Hell” staircase that allegedly transports those who descend it to a different realm. While the staircase is now buried, visitors still report ghostly encounters, strange noises, and a feeling of being watched.
Black Diamond Cemetery, Black Diamond
This old mining town’s cemetery is said to be one of the most haunted places in Washington. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly miners, mysterious lights, and hearing phantom footsteps. The spirits are believed to be those of miners who lost their lives in tragic accidents in the early 20th century.
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
Thornewood Castle, built in the early 1900s, is a stunning example of Tudor Gothic architecture. It is also reportedly haunted by several spirits, including the original owner, Chester Thorne. Guests have experienced paranormal activity such as cold spots, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained noises, particularly in the castle’s extensive gardens.
Kells Irish Pub, Seattle
Housed in the Butterworth Building, which once served as a mortuary, Kells Irish Pub is one of Seattle’s most haunted locations. Patrons and staff have reported numerous ghostly encounters, including apparitions, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. The pub’s basement, once used to store bodies, is particularly active with paranormal phenomena.
Old City Hall, Tacoma
Constructed in 1893, the Old City Hall in Tacoma is an iconic Italian Renaissance-style building. Once the seat of Tacoma’s government, it features a clock tower and impressive architectural details.
The Old City Hall is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former city officials and prisoners. Staff and visitors have reported hearing footsteps, disembodied voices, and strange noises echoing through the building’s hallways. Some believe the spirits are those of prisoners who were once held in the building’s basement jail cells.
Hotel de Haro, Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
If you begin your journey to Roche Harbor on a foggy morning on a ferry to the San Juan Islands, it’s even better!
Built in 1886, the Hotel de Haro is the centerpiece of Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island. This historic hotel has hosted many notable guests, including President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Hotel de Haro is believed to be haunted by John McMillin, the original owner of the hotel and the surrounding lime works. Guests and staff have reported seeing his apparition, especially near Room 2, which was his favorite room. Other phenomena include mysterious footsteps, cold spots, and objects moving on their own.
I haven’t stayed here, but I’ve toured the grounds. Needless to say my hair stood on the back of my neck.
The Ghost Town of Monte Cristo
Monte Cristo was a bustling mining town in the late 1800s, located in the Cascade Mountains. Today, it is an abandoned ghost town accessible by hiking trails.
The town’s abandonment and the tragic history of mining accidents have given rise to numerous ghost stories. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of mining activity, such as picks and shovels, and seeing apparitions of miners. The desolate ruins, combined with the isolation of the site, contribute to its haunted reputation.
Starvation Heights Sanitarium, Olalla
In the early 1900s, Dr. Linda Hazzard operated a sanitarium in Olalla, known for her controversial fasting treatments. The facility became infamous as “Starvation Heights.”
Many patients died under Dr. Hazzard’s care, leading to accusations of murder and fraud. The sanitarium’s grim history has led to numerous reports of hauntings. Visitors to the site have reported seeing ghostly figures, hearing moans and cries, and feeling an oppressive atmosphere. Some believe the restless spirits of the patients still linger, seeking justice for their untimely deaths.
Mount Baker Theater, Bellingham
Opened in 1927, the Mount Baker Theater is a grand movie palace and performance venue in Bellingham, designed in a Spanish-Moorish style.
The theater is said to be haunted by a ghost named Judy, believed to be the spirit of a young woman who died in the building. Employees and patrons have reported seeing her apparition, feeling cold spots, and hearing unexplained sounds. Judy’s presence is often felt in the balcony and backstage areas, where she is known to play pranks, such as moving objects and flickering lights.
Port Townsend
Rounding out this list, the town of Port Townsend, Washington, is renowned not just for its Victorian charm and maritime heritage, but also for its rich history of paranormal activity. Nestled on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, this quaint town on the Olympic Peninsula has a past filled with tales of intrigue, mystery, and the supernatural.
There are numerous haunted places here, so I’ve named the entire town of Port Townsend an official haunted destination.
A Brief History of Port Townsend
Founded in 1851, Port Townsend quickly grew as a bustling seaport and a hub for commerce and trade. Its picturesque setting and strategic location attracted settlers, leading to the construction of grand Victorian homes and imposing commercial buildings. However, economic downturns in the late 19th century left many of these structures abandoned, creating an eerie atmosphere that lingers to this day. Over the years, numerous stories of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena have emerged, cementing Port Townsend’s reputation as one of Washington’s most haunted towns.
Notable Haunted Spots in Port Townsend
Manresa Castle, Port Townsend
Manresa Castle was built in 1892 as a private residence and later converted into a hotel. The castle is believed to be haunted by several spirits, including a former owner and a nun who allegedly took her own life in one of the rooms. Guests have reported eerie occurrences, including apparitions, moving objects, and inexplicable noises.
Hauntings: The castle is said to be haunted by several spirits. The ghost of a Jesuit priest has been seen in the hallways, while a woman in white, believed to be a former resident, has been spotted in various rooms. Guests have reported cold spots, apparitions, and moving objects.
Rothschild House
History: This historic home, built in 1868 by D.C.H. Rothschild, a prominent local merchant, remains largely unchanged since its construction.
Hauntings: The Rothschild House is believed to be haunted by the spirit of D.C.H. Rothschild himself. Visitors and staff have reported seeing his apparition, hearing unexplained footsteps, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature.
Old Consulate Inn
History: The Old Consulate Inn, a beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast, was built in 1889 by George Sterming, a former Norwegian consul.
Hauntings: Guests have reported encounters with a ghostly woman dressed in Victorian attire, believed to be the spirit of George Sterming’s wife. Strange occurrences such as flickering lights, doors opening and closing on their own, and mysterious sounds are also common.
Palace Hotel
History: Originally constructed in 1889, the Palace Hotel served as a brothel and gambling house in its early days.
Hauntings: The hotel’s most famous ghost is “Miss Claire,” a former madam who is said to haunt room 3. Guests have reported seeing her apparition, feeling her presence, and hearing unexplained noises. Other spirits, including former guests and employees, are also believed to roam the hotel.
Ann Starrett Mansion
History: Built in 1889 by George Starrett for his wife Ann, this striking Victorian mansion is known for its distinctive architecture and rich history.
Hauntings: The mansion is believed to be haunted by Ann Starrett and her son. Visitors have reported seeing their apparitions, experiencing cold spots, and hearing disembodied voices. The tower room is particularly noted for its paranormal activity, with sightings of a ghostly figure and unexplained noises.
