Washington is a state built on rain, evergreens, and very old stories. From grand Gilded Age mansions to abandoned mining towns, the Evergreen State is packed with historic places where visitors have reported things that are hard to explain. Whether you’re a believer or simply love a good ghost story, The Haunted Atlas has put together the definitive tour of Washington’s most haunted places — each one steeped in real history, travel-worthy architecture, and decades of chilling reports.
1. Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
Often called “the house that love built,” Thornewood Castle in Lakewood is Washington’s most famous haunted mansion. Chester Thorne, founder of the Port of Tacoma, built this 27,000-square-foot, 54-room estate between 1908 and 1911 as a gift for his wife, Anna — using materials from a dismantled 15th-century English manor that were shipped around Cape Horn. It later became a film star when Stephen King’s Rose Red filmed here. Guests and staff have reported apparitions believed to be Chester and Anna themselves, wandering the rooms they once called home.
2. Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley
Tucked into the foothills of the Cascades, the old Northern State Hospital operated from 1912 to 1973 and is now part of the Northern State Recreation Area. The Spanish Colonial–style buildings are hauntingly beautiful in the daylight, but visitors report the grounds feel very different after dark. Common reports include an apparition believed to be a former nurse and a variety of unexplained sounds — footsteps, distant voices, and doors where no one stands. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot for a daytime walk and reflection.
3. Walker-Ames House, Port Gamble
The picture-perfect lumber town of Port Gamble is a Victorian time capsule, and its grand 1888 Queen Anne mansion, the Walker-Ames House, is said to be its spiritual center. The town hosts an annual Ghost Conference, and local ghost tours keep its legends alive. Visitors have reported the laughter of unseen children, cold spots, and the apparition of a woman who some believe was once a nanny in the house. Strolling Port Gamble’s gas-lit streets feels like stepping into a living ghost story.
4. Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, Seattle
Seattle’s Kells Irish Pub at 1916 Post Alley is often named Washington’s most haunted restaurant. The building — the historic Butterworth Building — was once a mortuary, and its past seems to linger. Regulars and staff report the apparition of a little red-haired girl and a man known as “Charlie,” said to wear a derby hat and occasionally visible in the Guinness mirror behind the bar. Glasses have reportedly moved on their own. Come for the shepherd’s pie and live music; stay to watch for Charlie.
5. Pike Place Market, Seattle
By day, Pike Place Market is all flower stalls and flying fish. By night, some say, its older residents come out. The most famous is Princess Angeline — Kikisoblu, daughter of Chief Seattle — who died in 1896 and is reportedly seen near the market. Another beloved legend tells of a lady barber whose shop once stood nearby, and whose lullabies some claim can still be heard after closing time. It’s a reminder that Seattle’s history is never far beneath the surface.
6. Oxford Saloon, Snohomish
Historic downtown Snohomish’s Oxford Saloon at 913 1st St pours drinks in a building with more than a century of stories. Two of its best-known regulars never seem to have left. Visitors report encounters with “Henry,” said to be a former policeman and saloon bouncer who lingers near the basement stairs, and “Kathleen,” believed to be a former madam who appears in a purple dress. The saloon embraces its haunted reputation, making it a favorite stop for paranormal enthusiasts.
7. Manresa Castle, Port Townsend
Overlooking Port Townsend from a hilltop, Manresa Castle was built in 1892 and now welcomes guests as a hotel. The grand Victorian building has hosted generations of visitors, and some of them may never have checked out. Guests have reported apparitions in the hallways, unexpected cold spots, and the faint sounds of a bygone era. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the bay views, or the possibility of a ghostly encounter, Manresa Castle is one of Washington’s most atmospheric places to spend the night.
8. Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
This opulent 1927 movie palace in downtown Bellingham is a jewel of Spanish-Moorish architecture — and, according to legend, home to a ghost named “Judy.” Visitors and staff have reported unexplained laughter from the balcony, gentle cold touches, and the feeling of being watched during quiet moments in the theater. Built as a vaudeville and film house, the Mount Baker Theatre has nearly a century of performances in its walls, and Judy seems happy to keep attending them.
9. Starvation Heights, Olalla
Deep in the woods near Olalla stands one of Washington’s strangest historic sites: the remains of an early-1900s “sanitarium” run by Linda Hazzard, a self-proclaimed fasting specialist whose treatments led to a notorious early true-crime case. Her story ended with a conviction, and the site has drawn curious visitors ever since. Locals and visitors have reported an unsettled feeling around the property, and the location’s dark past continues to fascinate true-crime and paranormal history buffs alike.
10. Moore Theatre, Seattle
Seattle’s oldest still-operating theater, the Moore has hosted vaudeville, concerts, and comedy since the early 1900s. Behind the scenes, staff and performers speak of “Mabel,” said to be a former actress who never quite left the stage. Reports include footsteps in empty corridors, lights with minds of their own, and a presence felt in the wings during performances. For theater lovers, the Moore is worth a visit for its history alone — but keep an eye out for Mabel.
11. Monte Cristo Ghost Town
High in the Cascades near Granite Falls, Monte Cristo was once a booming mining town — and now it’s one of Washington’s most evocative ghost towns. Abandoned buildings, rusting machinery, and moss-covered ruins dot the landscape, accessible by trail. Hikers and history buffs have reported apparitions and strange sounds among the ruins. It’s a haunting, beautiful reminder of the boom-and-bust days that shaped the Pacific Northwest, and a favorite destination for adventurous ghost hunters.
12. Hotel Sorrento, Seattle
The Hotel Sorrento at 900 Madison St has been a First Hill landmark since 1909, welcoming travelers in classic Italian Renaissance style for more than a century. With that much history under one roof, it’s no surprise the hotel has its share of ghost stories. Guests have reported apparitions in the hallways and guest rooms, unexplained noises, and the sense of a presence in the older parts of the building. It’s an elegant, old-world stay — with the possibility of some very old-world company.
13. USS Turner Joy, Bremerton
Moored in Bremerton, the USS Turner Joy is a Vietnam War–era naval destroyer now serving as a museum ship. Life aboard a working warship was intense, and some visitors and docents report that echoes of that life remain: shadowy figures on the decks, unexplained footsteps, and the feeling of being watched in the narrow passageways below. Touring the ship is a moving history lesson on its own — and for some, a genuinely chilling one.
14. Fort Worden, Port Townsend
This turn-of-the-century coastal defense fort in Port Townsend is a state park today, with handsome officers’ quarters, bunkers, and parade grounds open to visitors. Fort Worden’s long military history has left its mark: guests staying in the historic officers’ housing have reported unexplained sounds, apparitions, and doors that seem to open and close on their own. It’s a gorgeous place to explore by day and a wonderfully spooky one to stay overnight.
15. Tokeland Hotel, Tokeland
Among the oldest hotels in Washington, the Tokeland Hotel has been welcoming travelers on the coast near Willapa Bay since the 19th century. The creaky, characterful building has accumulated more than a century of stories, and visitors have reported apparitions, mysterious footsteps, and objects that seem to move on their own. It’s a beloved stop for road-trippers exploring the wild Washington coast — and a must-visit for anyone chasing the state’s oldest ghost stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most haunted place in Washington State? There is no official ranking, but Thornewood Castle in Lakewood and Kells Irish Pub in Seattle are the two most frequently cited. Kells is often specifically called Washington’s most haunted location, while Thornewood’s fame grew after Stephen King’s Rose Red filmed there.
Can you visit these haunted places? Many of them, yes. Thornewood Castle operates as a B&B and wedding venue with visits by reservation. Kells, the Oxford Saloon, and Manresa Castle are open businesses. The USS Turner Joy is a museum ship, Fort Worden and Northern State Hospital’s grounds are public parks, and Port Gamble offers ghost tours. Always check hours and access rules before visiting.
What is the best time of year to visit Washington’s haunted places? October is the obvious choice, with special tours and events at places like Port Gamble. But the state’s moody, rain-soaked winters make November through February wonderfully atmospheric too — and far less crowded.
Are Washington’s haunted places family-friendly? Most of these locations are historic sites, restaurants, theaters, and parks that welcome all ages during the day. Some evening ghost tours and bar settings are geared toward adults, so check with the venue first.
Is Thornewood Castle really haunted? Visitors and staff have reported apparitions believed to be Chester and Anna Thorne for years. There’s even a playful local debate: some say it’s only haunted in the movies, thanks to Rose Red. You’ll have to visit and decide for yourself.
Which haunted places are closest to Seattle? Kells Irish Pub, Pike Place Market, the Moore Theatre, and Hotel Sorrento are all in Seattle proper. The Oxford Saloon (Snohomish), Thornewood Castle (Lakewood), Manresa Castle and Fort Worden (Port Townsend), and Port Gamble are all easy day trips.