Macabre Ghost History of Portland, Oregon walking tour

Portland , United States

Macabre Ghost History of Portland, Oregon walking tour

Active

(11 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

From fiery deaths to watery graves: In this 1.5 mile cemetery walking tour, we weave what we know of the peoples who lived here for millennia with verifiable stories of recent centuries. We can only guess, based on our psychics’ readings and eerie coincidences we have observed, where people here before us feared to walk and canoe at night.

As a wise person wrote, every story ends as a ghost story. Our ghosts are legion.

We now call it Oregon; “ourigan” was ancestral home to hundreds of thousands. They have left a darkness here, expressed with stories from the earliest days of our written history to modern times.

Starting with early disasters, we will tell ghost stories we have collected, from fiery deaths to those in the waters of nearby river; from self-inflicted to deaths brought by the state or a rich man’s guilt. Our route takes us through the inner eastside, where more of Portland’s disasters have happened than any other part of the city & where many early settlers are buried.

Available options

Macabre Ghost History of Portland, Oregon walking tour

What's included

Guided walking tour

Detailed itinerary

We will meet at Revolution Hall, a former high school who counted many now-famous people who would lead brilliant but tortured lives as alumni and suffered a tragic fire a century ago.

We will walk through the quiet streets of one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in what we now call Portland, telling stories of Portland’s first known witch and women who worked in the sex trade; and stories of seances that swept the city.

We will enter the Lone Fir cemetery near the section known only as “Block 14,” where mass graves of Chinese immigrants and those who died at the nearby asylum for the insane were buried. After telling some of the stories we know, we will walk through the cemetery, visiting the final resting places of residents that we have heard stories of already, as well as some of the most intense resident deaths; from dramatic drownings to axe murders to suicides.

What's not included

We will recommend ice cream (and other treats) at the end of the tour, but the price is not included

Gratuities for your guides, always appreciated

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet at 1300 SE Stark, at the building's formal entrance, on the western side of the building closest to the dog park (the downtown-facing side of the property)

Important notes

No need to provide a ticket; the lead traveler's name is all that is required

About Portland

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eco-friendliness, craft breweries, and thriving arts scene. Nestled between the Pacific Northwest's rugged coast and the Cascade Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.

Top Attractions

Washington Park

Washington Park is a 460-acre park that features beautiful gardens, museums, and recreational facilities. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have admission fees)

Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. It is a paradise for book lovers.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to browse (cost of books varies)

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 1-3 hours $25 (adults), $20 (seniors), Free (under 18)

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, located just a short drive from Portland.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

Cultural 1-2 hours $19.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $14.95 (students), Free (under 5)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Food Cart Pods

Portland is famous for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines. These pods are a great way to sample different dishes in one place.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available

Craft Beer

Portland is known as 'Beervana' for its numerous craft breweries. Be sure to try a local brew or two.

Drink Non-alcoholic options available

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is a famous doughnut shop in Portland, known for its creative and unique doughnut flavors.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Marionberry Pie

Marionberry pie is a local favorite, made with Oregon's famous marionberries. It is a must-try for dessert lovers.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Wind sports Spa treatments Yoga classes Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

Summer is the most popular time to visit Portland, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and activities. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor recreation is at its peak.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT) - GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portland is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Portland International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown

By train

Union Station

By bus

Portland Union Station, Portland Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MAX Light Rail system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city. It is a convenient way to get around Portland.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Pearl District Alberta Arts District Hawthorne District Mississippi Avenue

Day trips

Mount Hood

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Mount Hood is a majestic mountain located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.

Columbia River Gorge

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural area located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

Willamette Valley

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The Willamette Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive from Portland. It is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.

Festivals

Portland Rose Festival • June Oregon Brewers Festival • July Portland Christmas Market • November-December

Pro tips

Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, and get lost in the vast selection of books.
Explore Portland's food cart scene, which offers a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike, waterfall view, and enjoy scenic drives.
Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Try a local craft beer at one of Portland's many breweries, which are known for their innovative and unique brews.