The Evergreen State is known for many things – lush forests, majestic mountains, Starbucks, and even Amazon – but its ethereal landscape speaks for itself. The diverse terrain, ranging from soaring peaks to the swells of the ocean, takes on a truly mystical feel under the canopy of heavy rains and thick fog. That’s why exploring this list of the five most haunted places in Washington is so exciting.
Aside from intriguing ghost stories, these haunted spots in Washington feature interesting history and architecture. So, even if you leave without your hoped-for“close encounter” bragging rights, you’ll still have a great time.
Tacoma Old City Hall
This beautiful, five-story Italian Renaissance-style building was completed in 1893. Until 1957, it served as the seat for Tacoma city government and officials. To save it from being demolished, it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1974, and it was turned into an office building.
The type of spooky events that have put Tacoma Old City Hall on this list include the lights flickering on and off by themselves, fire alarms being triggered with no apparent cause, and the bell atop the 10-story tower ringing early in the morning or late at night without anyone around the pull the rope. Shadowy apparitions have also been reported by security guards while coughs sometimes mysteriously echo throughout the building’s hallways. Could it be Gus, the ghost believed to unlock doors and move the elevator up and down its shaft when otherwise empty?
Tacoma’s Old City Hall is currently under development again ane will soon be co-working space. Maybe you can get a little help with your work from these otherworldly tenants.
Where to find it: 625 Commerce St, Tacoma. Website here.
The Oxford Saloon
When the Oxford Saloon opened in Snohomish in 1900, it was first used as a dry goods store and later during Prohibition, the building became known as the Oxford Pool Room. When World War II broke out, it was transformed into a popular watering hole for local residents. Today, the restaurant that occupies the space has a pretty cool story to tell.
Known for mysterious incidents and sightings, it’s believed that more than 10 people have died inside the Oxford Saloon since it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. In the late 2000s, members of the Washington State Ghost Society (sadly, now defunct) performed investigations at the site and managed to record several EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). You can read the full creepy story here and decide what you believe.
Where to find it: 913 1st St, Snohomish. Website here.
Mount Baker Theatre
More than 90 years ago, the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham opened its doors. Designed for comfort, the luxurious movie palace “…was to be one of the last grand vaudeville/silent movie palaces built in the entire Pacific Northwest.” While similar theaters in the area have long since closed, local officials, businesses, and volunteers have kept it restored, renovated, and operational.
Today, if you attend a live show or take a tour, you might also be treated to a performance by the theater’s resident spirits, including a friendly ghost named Judy. In addition to inexplicable sounds, frigid corridors, and balls of light, you might even hear someone calling your name. One couple claimed to see a mysterious black cat backstage, and research showed that a black panther with a traveling circus had died there.
Where to find it: 104 N Commercial St #4408, Bellingham. Website here.
Butterworth Building
Located near downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market, you’ll find the Butterworth Building. Featuring the first elevator installed on the West Coast, the building was built for and occupied by the Butterworth & Sons Mortuary from 1903 to 1923. While Butterworth & Sons has its own fascinating story (more info here) you might be able to guess what their elevator was used for. That’s right, moving bodies!
Kells Irish Pub has since taken over the space, and the Travel Channel has featured the mortuary-turned-bar on its popular Ghost Adventures series. Over the years, people claim to have spotted several different apparitions, but the most common sighting is of a young girl with red or blonde hair who tends to show up when traditional Irish music is playing. No wonder this is a popular spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Where to find it: 1916 Post Alley, Seattle.
Tokeland Hotel
You can’t have a list of most haunted places in Washington state without including at least one hotel! The Tokeland Hotel got its beginnings when George and Charlotte Brown homesteaded 1,400 acres after settling on land alongside the Shoalwater Tribe which was led by Chief Toke. Their daughter and her husband went on to build this haven for travelers, which welcomes guests to this day, and named it after the famous Chief, himself.
According to legend, a Chinese immigrant named Charlie once hid in a secret spot behind the fireplace where he, tragically, died from smoke inhalation. Along with the apparition of a cat, many guests claim to have seen Charlie’s ghost walking around and some even allege that he has a penchant for throwing dishes…so hold on to your china! Looking for the spookiest chambers? People claim that Room 7 is the most haunted. Would you be brave enough to stay there?
Where to find it: 2964 Kindred Ave, Tokeland. Website here.
Most Haunted Places in Washington State
One of the most exciting things about exploring new places is learning about their history. While most details might be pretty run-of-the-mill, you can occasionally come across some highly unusual tales. The Pacific Northwest is rich with natural wonders, but the magical landscape is also steeped with lore and mystique.
While we’ve only covered a few of Washington state’s most haunted places, and there are plenty of other places to explore, ranging from ghostly sightings and stories to the downright creepy. with the hot spots on this list, though, you’ve got a good start. If you’re feeling extra brave and would like to take your ghost hunting outdoors, you can also check out these haunted hikes in the area!
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