Portland: Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour

Portland’s haunted history beckons adventurous souls to explore its darkest corners. From the Benson Hotel’s ghostly apparitions to the notorious Shanghai Tunnels, this walking tour promises an unveiling of the supernatural secrets that lurk in the city’s shadows. Explore chilling tales of restless spirits, unsolved murders, and the infamous psychopaths who have shaped Portland’s folklore. What otherworldly encounters await those brave enough to uncover the truth?

Good To Know

• Explore the haunted history of iconic Portland locations like the Benson Hotel, Old Town Pizza, and Kells Irish Pub, where ghostly presences and paranormal activities have been reported.

• Explore the dark past of the Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages used for kidnapping and forced labor, and the lingering spirits believed to haunt the site.

• Investigate unsolved murder cases and missing persons cases that have contributed to the city’s unsettling folklore, such as the "Nancen Murder" and the disappearances of Serena Lambert and Alex Nguyen.

• Uncover the chilling tales of notorious psychopaths and serial killers, including H.H. Holmes and the "Portland Ripper," whose dark legacies have shaped the city’s haunting narrative.

• Experience the supernatural ambiance of the Willamette River, where ghostly figures and unexplained sounds have been attributed to the river’s tragic history.

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Haunted Hotel: Paranormal Encounters

Although the tour begins at the Harlow Hotel & Cafe, one of the most significant stops is the historic Benson Hotel, where guests have reported a variety of paranormal experiences.

Visitors have recounted seeing apparitions of a well-dressed man, the sounds of unexplained footsteps, and the sensation of a ghostly presence in certain rooms. Employees have also attested to unusual occurrences, such as doors opening and closing on their own.

The hotel’s long history and numerous reported sightings have led many to believe it’s one of the most haunted locations in downtown Portland.

The Shanghai Tunnels: A Dark History

Beneath the bustling streets of downtown Portland, a dark and forgotten history lies buried within the city’s intricate network of tunnels. Known as the "Shanghai Tunnels," these passages were once used to kidnap and "shanghai" unsuspecting victims, forcing them into service on ships bound for distant ports.

| Fact | Detail |

| — | — |

| Origins | Constructed in the late 1800s |

| Purpose | Kidnapping and forced labor |

| Discovery | Rediscovered in the 1940s |

| Current Status | Open for historical tours |

The Shanghai Tunnels have become an integral part of Portland’s haunting folklore, a testament to the city’s grim past and the ghosts that still linger within their shadowy depths.

Old Town Pizza: Ghostly Sightings

Where does one find the haunting remnants of Portland’s seedy past? At the iconic Old Town Pizza, located in the heart of the city’s historic district.

This popular eatery is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who tragically died on the premises in the late 19th century.

Visitors have reported:

1. Sightings of a shadowy figure gliding through the dining room.

2. Unexplained cold spots and sudden drops in temperature.

3. Glasses and other objects mysteriously moving on their own.

The ghost is believed to be that of Nina, a former employee who met an untimely demise in the building’s basement.

Her restless spirit is said to linger, adding an eerie ambiance to the dining experience.

Kells Irish Pub: Tales of the Supernatural

After exploring the haunted history of Old Town Pizza, the Portland Ghost Tour takes visitors to another iconic hotel known for its supernatural encounters – Kells Irish Pub.

Situated in the heart of downtown, Kells has long been rumored to house restless spirits. Patrons have reported mysterious footsteps, disembodied voices, and the sudden drop in temperature – all signs of paranormal activity.

The tour guide shares eerie tales of past incidents, leaving guests intrigued and eager to experience the pub’s otherworldly atmosphere for themselves.

As the tour continues, the group delves deeper into Portland’s macabre past, uncovering more chilling revelations.

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Unsolved Murders and Poltergeist Activity

As the tour guides lead the group through the winding streets of downtown Portland, they recount the disturbing tales of unsolved murders that haunt the city.

The tour explores:

1. The unsolved case of the "Nancen Murder" in the 1940s, where a woman’s body was found mutilated in an alley, with no leads or suspects.

2. The haunting of the Shanghai Tunnels, where the ghosts of sailors and workers are said to linger after being kidnapped and forced into labor.

3. Poltergeist activity reported at the Hawthorne Bridge, where the spirit of a young woman is rumored to push unsuspecting pedestrians off the edge.

Haunting of the Willamette River

Why do the waters of the Willamette River in downtown Portland whisper tales of the supernatural? Paranormal enthusiasts claim that the river’s dark history has left an otherworldly mark. A table of some key points:

| Supernatural Sightings | Suspected Causes |

| — | — |

| Ghostly figures seen along the riverbanks | Lingering spirits of those who drowned |

| Unexplained sounds, like disembodied voices | Echoes of past tragedies and unsolved crimes |

| Strange lights and unexplained disappearances | Unexplained energy from the river’s dark past |

| Reports of objects moving on their own | Lingering psychic imprints of past events |

The Willamette’s haunted history continues to captivate those who seek the unexplained in Portland’s urban landscape.

The Vanishings: Missing Persons Cases

While the ghostly whispers of the Willamette River captivate many, a darker aspect of Portland’s history lies in the unsettling number of missing persons cases.

Three notable cases include:

1. The disappearance of Serena Lambert in 1989, who vanished after a night out with friends in the city’s Old Town district.

2. The mysterious case of college student Alex Nguyen, last seen leaving a downtown bar in 2004, with no leads or witnesses coming forward.

3. The 2015 disappearance of elderly couple George and Edith Harrington, who never returned home from a visit to the Shanghai Tunnels.

Psychopaths and Serial Killers in Portland

Although Portland is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty, the city has also been home to a darker underbelly – that of psychopaths and serial killers. Infamous cases include the grisly "H.H. Holmes" murders, as well as the mysterious disappearance of the "Vanishing at the Vista House" victims. The city’s history is tinged with the chilling tales of these notorious criminals, many of whom evaded capture for years.

| Infamous Case | Details |

| — | — |

| H.H. Holmes Murders | Prolific serial killer who operated a "murder hotel" in Portland in the late 19th century. |

| Vanishing at the Vista House | Mysterious disappearance of several victims from the Vista House viewpoint in the early 20th century. |

| Unidentified Serial Killer | Suspected serial killer active in Portland in the 1970s-80s, known as the "Portland Ripper." |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. It includes engaging storytelling and historical information, making it an appropriate activity for young children to participate in with their families.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. They offer private group bookings, allowing groups to schedule the tour at a convenient time and request any specific modifications to the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Casual attire is appropriate, as the focus is on the haunting experiences rather than formal attire.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are typically allowed during the tour, though participants are advised to be respectful and avoid interfering with the guide’s presentation or disturbing other guests. Visitors should check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour provides accessibility accommodations for guests with limited mobility, including wheelchair access and assistance as needed. Visitors are encouraged to inquire about specific needs when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Portland: Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s haunted history. From the Benson Hotel’s ghostly apparitions to the dark tales of the Shanghai Tunnels, this spine-tingling experience unveils the supernatural secrets and notorious crimes that have shaped Portland’s eerie folklore. Prepare to encounter restless spirits, chilling stories, and the unsolved mysteries that lurk in the shadows of this haunted city.

You can check availability for your dates here: