If you’re drawn to the eerie, the haunted, or the downright chilling, Washington State offers no shortage of spine-tingling destinations. From ghost towns and haunted pubs to tragic disaster sites and eerie underground caverns, the Evergreen State is a treasure trove of the macabre. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking tourist or a dedicated paranormal enthusiast, here are 10 of the creepiest places in Washington that promise goosebumps—and maybe even a ghost or two.
1. Wellington Avalanche Disaster Site (Iron Goat Trail, Stevens Pass)
Buried under a devastating avalanche in 1910 that killed 96 people, the town of Wellington remains one of America’s deadliest avalanche sites. Hikers on the Iron Goat Trail often report strange sensations, phantom voices, cold spots, and glimpses of shadowy figures. The eerie silence and foggy conditions make the trail feel like a portal to the past.
2. Starvation Heights (Olalla)
This remote Kitsap County property was once a so-called sanitarium run by Dr. Linda Hazzard, who starved more than a dozen patients to death in the early 1900s. Though now privately owned, the grounds remain infamous. Locals tell stories of lingering spirits, wails in the wind, and a general sense of dread near the site.
3. Ape Cave (Gifford Pinchot National Forest)
Located near Mount St. Helens, this 2-mile-long lava tube offers an unsettling descent into complete darkness. The cave’s eerie silence and freezing temperatures are chilling enough, but legends of “ape men” and Bigfoot sightings elevate the fear factor. For many, it’s more than just a geological wonder—it’s a paranormal hotspot.
4. Pike Place Market (Seattle)
Famous for flying fish and tourist attractions, Pike Place Market also has a darker side. Reports of ghostly encounters abound—especially involving the spirit of Princess Angeline, phantom children, and long-dead vendors. Beneath its lively atmosphere lies a haunted history, with cold drafts, disembodied voices, and unexplained movements being common.
5. Kells Irish Pub (Seattle)
Set inside the old Butterworth Building—a former mortuary—Kells Irish Pub is often cited as the most haunted bar in the United States. Staff and visitors alike report broken mirrors, moving glasses, cold spots, and glimpses of undertakers and restless spirits. Its past as a funeral parlor makes it fertile ground for ghostly activity.
6. Port Townsend
This quaint Victorian town is one of the most haunted places in the Pacific Northwest. From the ghost-filled Palace Hotel and the Ann Starrett Mansion to Fort Worden and Manresa Castle, paranormal activity is common. Visitors have seen ladies in blue, heard spectral voices, and even experienced unexplained physical sensations while walking historic streets.
7. Monte Cristo Ghost Town (Cascade Mountains)
Abandoned after a string of natural disasters, the once-bustling mining town of Monte Cristo now stands as a decaying relic. Those who hike into this remote area report hearing ghostly footsteps, spotting apparitions of miners, and feeling a deep sense of melancholy that hangs over the ruins.
8. Greenwood Cemetery and the “Thousand Steps” (Spokane)
This cemetery is known for its long staircase, dubbed the “Thousand Steps,” which leads into legend. Locals say few make it to the top without turning back due to feelings of dread, sightings of ghostly faces, and whispers in the dark. It’s one of the most chilling urban legends in Eastern Washington.
9. Northern State Hospital (Sedro-Woolley)
Once a massive mental institution that housed more than 2,000 patients, Northern State Hospital is now partially abandoned but fully unnerving. Crumbling buildings, empty halls, and a cemetery on-site contribute to its haunted reputation. Paranormal investigators report cold spots, moving shadows, and eerie voices echoing through its remains.
10. Port Gamble and the Walker-Ames House
Port Gamble, a preserved 19th-century town, is a hub for ghost sightings, especially at the Walker-Ames House. Many have seen children in Victorian clothing, spectral nannies, and unexplainable shadows. The entire town carries a reputation for being a paranormal goldmine, drawing ghost hunters year-round.
From tragic avalanche sites and sinister sanitariums to haunted pubs and ghost towns, Washington offers an unforgettable itinerary for anyone fascinated by the paranormal. Whether you’re seeking history, horror, or a chance encounter with the unknown, these creepy destinations are sure to deliver chills long after your visit.
