Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths

Traveling through Portland and curious about its darker side? The Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths tour promises an hour packed with spooky stories, eerie sights, and a glimpse into the city’s haunted past. It’s a popular choice, often booked about 11 days in advance, and offers a mix of history, local lore, and ghostly encounters—all for about $24 a person. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, this tour aims to entertain and inform, making it a memorable addition to your Portland itinerary.

What really stands out about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life and the well-researched tales that blend history with the supernatural. Plus, at just an hour long, it’s a manageable way to explore Old Town’s haunted spots without feeling overwhelmed. One thing to consider, however, is that the tour ends at Kells Irish Pub, which might not be ideal if you’re planning to head directly back to your hotel. Overall, it’s a good pick for those interested in the spooky side of Portland, history buffs, or visitors wanting a different perspective on the city’s past.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, along with honest insights to help you decide if this ghost tour is right for you.

Key Points

• In-depth stories from local guides make each stop engaging and authentic.
• A well-paced, one-hour tour offers a quick but immersive experience.
• Locations include historic sites, tunnels, and haunted pubs, adding variety.
• Group size is limited to 15, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• The tour is priced affordably at $24, offering good value.
• Reviews highlight the guides’ entertaining style and the stories’ authenticity, though some concerns about safety and pacing are noted.

Exploring Portland’s Haunted Spots: What’s Included?

This walking tour covers a variety of locations in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood, giving you a chance to see historic sites and hear ghost stories that have been passed down over the years. It includes photo opportunities, so bring your camera—some of these spots are quite atmospheric after dark. The stories are based on eyewitness accounts and local legends, making the experience feel genuine rather than fabricated.

You’ll get a blend of history and ghost lore, with stories about long-dead fire captains, shadowy figures in historic hotels, and whispers from underground tunnels. The tour doesn’t include admission into buildings, but it’s designed to be a walking experience, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at the Harlow Hotel

Your journey begins at the Harlow Hotel, once a luxury stop for travelers, now notorious for ghostly sightings. Guests have reported shadowy figures and hearing footsteps echo through the halls. It’s a vibe that mixes vintage charm with a sense of unease. A quick 7-minute stop, but one that sets the tone for the night.

Review insight: “Very informative & the tour guide made it super fun! Didn’t realize Portland had such a shady history,” mentions a guest. The mix of fun facts and creepy stories makes this stop a strong opener.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Next, you’ll stroll to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a peaceful spot that hides a more sinister side. Visitors have seen ghostly figures and heard whispers among the lush landscape. It’s a reminder that even serene places can have their spectral secrets.

Review insight: “The serene beauty of Lan Su Chinese Garden hides a ghostly presence beneath its tranquil surface,” captures the feeling well. This stop is perfect for those who enjoy contrasting calm with the eerie.

Underground Shanghai Tunnels

Then, you’ll descend beneath Portland streets into the Shanghai Tunnels, notorious for tales of abduction and illegal activities. Today, they’re believed to be haunted by those who met grim fates here. It’s a chilling echo of Portland’s darker days.

Review insight: “The shadowy corners and echoes of the past make for a chilling experience,” a guest notes. This is likely to be one of the most atmospheric stops, especially for fans of underground history.

Old Town Pizza & Brewing

The tour continues at a historic pizza place built over an old brothel, where ghostly patrons might still linger. Employees and diners have experienced unexplained noises and sightings. It’s a lively, spooky spot to grab a quick look at Portland’s colorful history.

Review insight: “Spectral patrons still roam,” one reviewer says, emphasizing that this location adds a fun, paranormal twist to a casual dining spot.

Roseland Theater

Next is the historic theater, a hub of Portland’s entertainment scene that also hosts ghostly presences. Staff have reported hearing mysterious noises during performances, and sightings of figures from the past.

Review insight: “A vibrant venue with a haunted side,” aptly describes the duality here. You get a taste of Portland’s lively arts scene with a ghostly overlay.

The Benson Hotel

Moving to a more upscale setting, the Benson Hotel has a reputation for apparitions and unsettling encounters. Guests have reported seeing ghostly figures in the luxurious halls, suggesting the spirits of former residents still linger.

Review insight: “Its grandeur is matched by the eerie energy that lingers,” a guest shares. This stop offers a sense of Portland’s storied past wrapped in luxury.

Southwest Pine Street Parking Lot

A short stop at a parking lot with a dark reputation, where strange sounds and sightings have been reported late at night. It’s a brief but unsettling reminder that some places just feel off after dark.

Review insight: “Unusual occurrences and spectral sightings,” make this an atmospheric, if brief, stop.

Final Stop at Kells Irish Pub

The tour wraps up at Kells Irish Pub, a lively spot with a haunted reputation. Patrons and staff have seen apparitions and experienced strange noises. It’s a fun way to end, combining good drinks with ghost stories.

Review insight: “A blend of historic charm and supernatural activity,” perfectly sums up this final location.

How the Tour Feels and What You Can Expect

The group size is limited to 15, which makes for a more intimate experience. Guides are praised for being engaging, knowledgeable, and funny, making the hour fly by. Several reviews mention that the stories are well-researched and told with a sense of humor, which keeps the mood light even when discussing spooky topics.

The tour is mostly walking, with stops that last about 7-8 minutes each. It’s designed for a moderate physical level, so comfortable shoes and weather preparedness are advised. The route takes you through historic parts of Old Town, so it’s ideal if you enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot.

Most guests report feeling safe during the tour, though a couple of reviews highlight issues with safety concerns in the area, especially late at night. The tour ends at Kells Irish Pub, which is convenient for grabbing a drink afterward or heading back to your accommodation.

The Value for Money

At $24, this tour offers a decent bang for your buck. For an hour of storytelling, walking, and photo opportunities, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Portland’s haunted corners. Guided tours like this often include well-researched stories and eyewitness accounts, making them rich in local flavor. Some reviews praise the guide’s storytelling skills and depth of knowledge, which adds to the overall value.

Keep in mind, admission into buildings isn’t included, so if you want to explore specific sites more deeply, additional tickets may be needed. But for a quick, curated experience, this tour hits most marks—interesting stories, atmospheric locations, and a friendly guide.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is great for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Portland’s darker side. It’s suitable for those who enjoy walking tours and are comfortable in urban environments. While it’s not explicitly family-friendly or aimed at children, the stories are tame enough for older kids or teens with an interest in the supernatural.

It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to learn about the city’s past while having a few chills. However, if safety concerns or a rough urban environment bother you, it might be worth considering the reviews that mention discomfort in certain areas. Remember, the tour is about an hour, so it fits easily into an evening outing.

Final Thoughts

Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths offers a solid introduction to Portland’s haunted history, told through entertaining and well-versed guides. The tour provides a good mix of spooky stories, historic insights, and atmospheric locations—all within a manageable time frame and budget. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories are engaging enough to keep you entertained and maybe even a little spooked.

If you’re interested in Portland’s darker secrets, enjoy walking tours, or just want a different way to explore Old Town, this experience is worth considering. Just be mindful of safety concerns in the area, especially late at night, and come prepared with comfortable shoes and a curious mind.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stories are generally tame. Older children or teenagers interested in ghost stories might enjoy it, but parents should use their judgment based on their child’s comfort level.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately one hour, making it a quick but immersive experience.

Is the tour walkable in all weather?
Yes, it’s primarily walking outdoors, so dress appropriately for Portland’s weather—raincoat and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour does not specify age restrictions, but it’s mainly suited for older kids and adults due to the nature of the stories and urban environment.

Does the tour include visiting inside buildings?
No, admission into buildings isn’t included; it’s a guided outdoor walking tour with stops at various locations.

What safety considerations should I keep in mind?
Some reviews mention safety concerns in certain areas of Portland at night; stay aware of your surroundings and travel in groups if possible.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, making it easy to meet other curious explorers.

What is the group size?
Limited to 15 guests for a more personalized experience.

Can I book last minute?
Most bookings are made about 11 days in advance, but availability can vary. It’s best to book early to secure your spot.

How do I meet the tour?
The tour starts at Harlow Hotel, 722 NW Glisan St, Portland, and ends at Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave.

All in all, if you’re into ghost stories, enjoy a good walk, and want a taste of Portland’s mysterious side, this tour offers a fun, atmospheric, and affordable way to spend an evening exploring the city’s haunted corners.