If haunted places, dark history, and strange legends give you a thrill, Washington State is full of eerie and spine-chilling spots. From haunted hotels to abandoned bunkers and mysterious forests, the Evergreen State has plenty of creepy attractions for those who love exploring the macabre.
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just curious about the darker side of Washington, these 11 places will definitely give you goosebumps.
1. Northern State Hospital Ruins – Sedro-Woolley
Once a large psychiatric facility, Northern State Hospital closed in 1973. The remaining buildings, now slowly being reclaimed by nature, are a magnet for ghost hunters and urban explorers. Crumbling walls, rusted equipment, and an eerie silence make this place deeply unsettling.
2. The Black Diamond Cemetery – Black Diamond
This historic cemetery dates back to the late 1800s and is known for its creepy vibe and ghost sightings. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even seeing shadowy figures among the gravestones. Whether or not you believe in spirits, it’s undeniably haunting.
3. Pike Place Market’s Haunted Past – Seattle
Pike Place Market may be famous for fresh fish and flowers, but it also has a darker side. The Butterworth Building, once a mortuary, now houses businesses—but many report strange activity. Ghost tours reveal the market’s spookier stories, including tales of murdered women and restless souls.
4. Mount Rainier’s Vanishing Hikers
The beauty of Mount Rainier hides a chilling fact: dozens of hikers have gone missing here under mysterious circumstances. While the mountain’s terrain is dangerous, some believe there’s something stranger at play. It’s not just a hike—it’s a place full of stories that leave people with more questions than answers.
5. Georgetown Morgue – Seattle
This former morgue turned haunted attraction is based on a true story involving a mass cremation. Whether you’re visiting during Halloween or on a ghost tour, the building’s real-life history makes the theatrics even creepier.
6. The Rucker Tomb – Everett
Located in Evergreen Cemetery, the Rucker family tomb is one of Washington’s most iconic and mysterious gravesites. With its grand stone structure and legends of spirits guarding it, this is not your typical peaceful resting place.
7. Starvation Heights – Olalla
In the early 1900s, “Dr.” Linda Hazzard ran a health spa here where she starved patients in the name of wellness. Many died under her care, and their spirits are said to still linger. The remains of the sanitarium are gone, but the land carries an eerie feeling that’s hard to shake.
8. The Underground Streets of Seattle
Beneath modern-day Seattle lies the original street level, buried after the Great Fire of 1889. Today, you can tour these shadowy tunnels and hear stories of crime, disease, and the city’s underbelly. It’s a creepy walk through a forgotten part of history.
9. Mel’s Hole – Ellensburg (Urban Legend)
Though it may be more myth than reality, the story of Mel’s Hole is chilling. It’s said to be a bottomless pit with strange powers—animals avoid it, objects thrown in never make a sound, and bizarre events are tied to its location. No one’s ever proven it exists, but the tale persists.
10. Fort Worden’s Underground Bunkers – Port Townsend
At Fort Worden, you’ll find long-abandoned bunkers from World War II. Dark, cold, and echo-filled, these tunnels and rooms feel like something out of a horror film. People report hearing unexplained sounds and feeling watched.
11. The Cursed Gravity Hill – Prosser
This optical illusion appears to defy gravity—cars in neutral seem to roll uphill. Local legends say a child was killed here, and their spirit pushes vehicles to safety. Whether it’s just physics or something more, it’s definitely spooky.
Washington isn’t just about mountains, coffee, and scenic drives—it’s also home to a darker, weirder side that’s perfect for lovers of the creepy and unexplained.
Whether you’re walking through underground tunnels or standing at the edge of an eerie forest, these places offer a chilling glimpse into the state’s haunted history and strange legends. So if you’re up for it, grab a flashlight and explore the shadows—you never know what you might find.
SOURCES
- (https://www.explorersue.com/haunted-places-in-washington-state/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLmT-5cZYU)
- (https://secretseattle.co/spooky-towns-washington/)
