Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour

Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour: A Spooky Nighttime Adventure

If you’re curious about Portland’s darker, more mysterious side, the Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour promises to take you on a chilling journey through the city’s most haunted spots after sunset. While I haven’t experienced it in person, I’ve seen plenty of reviews and details that suggest this tour is perfect for those who love ghost stories, history, and a little adrenaline rush.

What really stands out about this experience is the depth of storytelling from knowledgeable guides and the exclusive access to locations not visited on the standard tour. That feels like a genuine way to get a more intense, immersive experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t actually go inside the buildings — you’ll be outside listening to stories, which might be a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting to peek into haunted sites.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy spooky tales, aren’t afraid of a bit of darkness, and want a unique way to explore Portland after hours. It’s not designed for kids, but if you’re an adult with a love for eerie stories and Portland’s haunted history, this could be just your thing.

Key Points

• Engaging guides with a wealth of local ghost stories and history
• Exclusive locations not part of the usual Portland tours
• Affordable price point at $34 per person for a 1.5-hour experience
• A mix of spooky storytelling and historic context, perfect for ghost enthusiasts
• Tour doesn’t enter buildings, so expect mostly outside visits
• Nighttime experience, so dress warmly and prepare for a dark, atmospheric walk

A Closer Look at the Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour

This tour offers a 1 hour and 30 minutes journey through some of Portland’s most haunted and storied sites. It’s run by Portland Ghosts, part of US Ghost Adventures, which has a reputation for detailed storytelling and engaging guides. The tour starts at 722 NW Glisan St at 10:30 pm, making it ideal for night owls or those wanting to experience Portland’s spooky side after dark.

Cost-wise, it’s priced at $34 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the focus is on storytelling and atmosphere rather than entry fees or immersive experiences inside buildings. Also, with an average booking window of 16 days in advance, it’s popular enough to plan ahead if you’re set on going during a specific trip.

The Itinerary – What Will You See and Hear?

The tour has a series of stops across downtown Portland, each with a story tied to the city’s eerie past. Here’s what to expect at each location, along with some insights into what makes each stop interesting:

Stop 1: 722 NW Glisan St – Harlow Hotel
This is where the tour kicks off, and the guide will tell you about Captain John Harlow and the supposed curse on the hotel. The story here sets the tone for an evening filled with ghostly legends. You’ll spend about 10 minutes outside, soaking up the atmosphere and listening to tales of past misfortune.

Stop 2: 226 NW Davis St – Old Town Pizza and Brewing
This spot is more than just a local eatery; it’s said to harbor secrets and hauntings. Guests have reported hearing faint whispers or voices. The outside stop lasts around 10 minutes, but it’s enough to give you that spine-tingling sense of ghostly presence.

Stop 3: 120 NW 3rd Ave – Shanghai Tunnels
One of Portland’s most notorious haunted spots, the Shanghai Tunnels have stories of screams and sobs that echo through history. While you won’t go inside, hearing about the tunnels’ dark past adds a layer of intrigue, especially if you love stories of secrecy and ghostly echoes.

Stop 4: 8 NW 6th Ave – Roseland Theater
Here, you might see or feel the presence of Timothy Moreau, a man whose tragic death is tied to this location. The guide will recount his story, adding to the evening’s spooky vibe.

Stop 5: 126 SW 2nd Ave – Carriage and Baggage Building
This site’s haunted reputation comes from tales of faint screams and mysterious sounds. Standing outside, you’ll get a taste of the ghostly legends that cling to Portland’s old buildings.

Stop 6: 112 SW 2nd Ave – Kells Irish Pub
Connected to the Shanghai Tunnels, the pub’s Cigar Room is said to be haunted by spirits from the tunnels, with stories of ghostly activity adding to the atmosphere.

Stop 7: 208 SW Ankeny St – Dan & Louis Oyster Bar
This historic eatery is the setting for stories linking paranormal anomalies to local legends. While you won’t dine here, hearing about the strange happenings makes for a fun, eerie listen.

Stop 8: West Burnside Street – Skidmore Fountain
A more symbolic stop, this fountain is associated with disturbing tales of the dead and restless spirits. It’s a reflective spot where stories of Portland’s darker history come alive.

Stop 9: 221 W Burnside St – The Dybbuk Box
Finally, the tour wraps with tales about this mysterious cursed object, adding a supernatural flavor to the evening.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the biggest highlights is the expertise of the guides. Several reviews praise their ability to tell stories that grab your attention and make you feel immersed in the haunted history of Portland. As one reviewer put it, “The guide very knowledgeable and really grabs your attention,” which is exactly what you want when exploring ghost stories.

Another aspect we appreciate is the exclusivity of the locations. Visiting spots not part of the standard tour means you get a sense of uncovering Portland’s hidden, spooky secrets and hearing tales that aren’t told everywhere. It’s a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s haunted past.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t go inside buildings—you’ll be outside, listening to stories and feeling the atmosphere. If you’re hoping for ghostly encounters inside, this might be a bit disappointing. But those who enjoy hearing about haunted sites from the outside still find it compelling.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price of $34, the tour offers good value, especially considering the number of stories covered and the local knowledge of the guide. For anyone interested in Portland’s haunted history or looking for a nighttime adventure with a spooky twist, it’s a solid choice.

The tour’s timing at night adds to the thrill, and the social aspect of a group walking through the dark, hearing stories, makes it a fun shared experience. It’s also a good fit for travelers who prefer storytelling over immersive entry into haunted sites.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults or older teens who enjoy ghost stories and history. It’s not designed for families with very young children, mainly because it involves outdoor walking in the dark and spooky themes.

If you’re a fan of paranormal tales, enjoy discovering lesser-known parts of a city, or simply want to add some thrill to your Portland trip, this tour fits the bill. It’s also perfect for a Halloween-themed outing or a late-night adventure with friends.

Final Thoughts

The Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour offers a compelling mix of storytelling, historic sites, and eerie atmosphere. Its knowledgeable guides and exclusive locations make it stand out among ghost tours, especially for those who love hearing detailed tales of Portland’s haunted past.

While it doesn’t include inside visits, the outside stories and ghostly legends are vivid enough to leave a lasting impression. It’s a good value for a unique nighttime activity, providing a fun, spooky way to see Portland after dark.

If dark history and ghost stories are your thing, and you’re comfortable exploring Portland’s haunted streets outside after hours, this tour will likely give you a memorable, spine-tingling evening.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is primarily aimed at adults and older teens. It involves walking outside at night and discussing spooky stories, which might be too intense for young children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you a substantial yet manageable spooky experience.

What is the start time?
The tour begins at 10:30 pm, making it ideal for late-night adventurers wanting a spooky thrill.

Are tickets expensive?
At $34 per person, the price is reasonable considering the storytelling focus and exclusive locations visited.

Does the tour go inside any buildings?
No, the tour does not include inside visits; you’ll be outside at each stop listening to stories.

Is this a walking tour?
Yes, it involves walking between several haunted sites around downtown Portland, but transportation is not provided.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing you to plan confidently.

If you’re into ghost stories, enjoy exploring cities by night, and want a guided experience with real local insights, the Portland Ultimate Dead of Night Tour could be just the adventure you’re looking for.