Oregon is the prettiest state---there's no doubt about it---but did you know that it's also the spookiest?
If you're an Oregonian who loves a good ghost story, you're in luck. Over the years many ghosts have chosen to make the Beaver State their permanent home. Paranormal experiences have been reported just about everywhere; at historic houses, hotels, highways, lighthouses and more. Here are eight reasons why Oregon is the creepiest, most haunted state of all:
8. Our haunted hotels will give you nightmares.
Oregon is full of haunted hotels. There's the Grand Geiser Hotel in Baker City (photographed above), McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Hot Lake Hotel in La Grande, and The Heathman Hotel in McMinnville, among others. Guests at these hotels have reported strange occurrences included ghost sightings, moving objects, disembodied voices, and more. If you're into ghost hunting, you should definitely book a room at one of these hotels.
7. We have creepy tunnels underneath our cities.
Both Pendleton and Portland have spooky, bone-chilling tunnels underneath the city streets where shady things used to happen. If you want to see them for yourself, you can tour the Portland Shanghai Tunnels and the Pendleton Underground.
6. We have haunted mansions....
There are multiple mansion in Oregon that are known to be haunted by the ghosts of former residents. There's Pittock Mansion in Portland (photographed above), The Flavel House in Astoria, The Bush Museum in Salem, and more. Plus, all of these places are open to visitors.
5. .... haunted military posts....
Battery Russel at Fort Stevens State Park is super interesting---and totally creepy. This former military post is said to be haunted by the ghost of a soldier who patrols the area at night holding a flashlight. There are many stories recounting encounters with the man, who, when approached, disappears into thin air. If you camp near Battery Russel you may catch a sight of the ghost yourself.
4. .... haunted roads....
Highway 101 near Cannon Beach is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man whose face is covered in bandages. People have reported seeing him on the side of the road as well as in the rearview mirror, and even sitting in the back seat of their car. Croisan Creek Road in Salem is also haunted, as multiple drivers have reported seeing the ghost of a child rolling a ball up a hill on the side of the road.
3. .... and haunted lighthouses.
The beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse is haunted by a ghost named Rue, who has been known to move around objects, set off the fire alarm and even appear as an apparition.
2. We have creepy cemeteries.
Here's a photo of Lafayette Cemetery, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Oregon. The story goes that long ago, a woman was hung for witchcraft there and before she died she cursed the town. On top of that, she is said to still roam the grounds as a ghost.
1. We have ghostly ghost towns.
Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state in the country, and more than one of them are known to be haunted. Here's a photo of Shaniko, which is arguably the most haunted of all.
Why do you think Oregon is the creepiest state? Have you had paranormal experiences of your own?
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