If you’re drawn to the eerie, the haunted, and the downright unsettling, Washington State offers a wealth of macabre sites and creepy experiences that will satisfy your curiosity—and maybe send a chill down your spine.
Here are ten things you should see in Washington if you enjoy the macabre and creepy, each with its own dark history or supernatural reputation:
1. Northern State Mental Hospital (Sedro-Woolley)
Once a sprawling psychiatric institution, this now-abandoned hospital is notorious for ghost stories and chilling encounters. Visitors report strange noises, shadowy figures, and an overwhelming sense of unease as they explore the grounds and decaying buildings.
2. Black Diamond Cemetery (Black Diamond)
A classic haunted cemetery, this burial ground is famous for reports of ghostly lanterns swinging in the fog, disembodied whistling, and voices when no one is around. Some say the spirits of coal miners still linger here.
3. Seattle Underground Tour (Seattle)
Beneath Pioneer Square lies a labyrinth of abandoned tunnels and passageways, remnants of the old city before the Great Seattle Fire. Guided tours reveal stories of crime, vice, and the city’s haunted past—perfect for those who like their history with a side of creepy.
4. The Tokeland Hotel (Tokeland)
Washington’s oldest hotel is said to be haunted by Charley, a Chinese immigrant who died in hiding. Guests report flickering lights, apparitions, and unexplained noises. There’s even a paranormal logbook for visitors to record their experiences.
5. Port Gamble & Walker-Ames House (Port Gamble)
This historic town is a hotspot for ghost hunters, especially the Victorian-era Walker-Ames House, where visitors report apparitions, unexplained laughter, and chilling cold spots. The annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference draws paranormal enthusiasts from all over.
6. Oxford Saloon (Snohomish)
With a violent past and multiple documented murders, the Oxford Saloon is one of the state’s most haunted bars. Ghosts—including a former policeman—are said to appear on staircases and in restrooms, with paranormal investigators recording unexplained phenomena.
7. Mount Baker Theatre (Bellingham)
This ornate, historic theater is home to at least four resident ghosts, including “Judy,” who’s known for calling out to staff and audience members. Reports include cold spots, strange voices, and unexplained lights.
8. Ape Caves (Mount St. Helens)
These lava tubes are pitch-black, cold, and filled with eerie echoes. Many visitors report an unsettling feeling, especially when their lights flicker or go out. The caves’ natural spookiness is heightened by their isolation and darkness.
9. Campbell House (Spokane)
The site of a tragic family murder in the early 1900s, Campbell House is said to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents. Guests describe a sense of dread and claim the eyes in family portraits follow them as they move through the house.
10. Whitman Massacre National Historic Site (Walla Walla)
Scene of a violent 1847 massacre, this site is reportedly haunted by the echoes of its bloody history. Visitors sometimes hear phantom hoofbeats and voices, making it a must-see for those interested in the darker side of Washington’s past.
Each of these destinations offers a blend of history, tragedy, and the supernatural—perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the macabre.
Sources:
- https://kpq.com/creepiest-places-in-washington-state/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLmT-5cZYU
- https://www.hauntedrooms.com/washington/haunted-places