It’s time to celebrate…this year’s spooky season is upon us! Now is the time to plan those haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
Grab your hiking boots, pack, and get ready for some thrilling adventures this fall.
Berty and I have lived in the Pacific Northwest almost our entire lives, so we have heard our fair share of scary stories and creepy destinations in the PNW.
However the scariest we’ve encounted? Haunted hiking trails!
If you love scary hiking stories, keep scrolling to learn about some spooky places and haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest!
Want to get more specific? You might also like:
> 15 Haunted Places In Washington State
> The Most Haunted Places In Oregon
> The Most Haunted Places In Idaho
Haunted Trails in Washington
1. Iron Goat Trail – Granite Falls, WA
Nestled among the evergreens of Washington lies the Iron Goat Trail, which is a moderate 6-mile long round trip hike with 700 feet of elevation gain.
Despite its beauty, the Iron Goat Trail could be one of the scariest hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest due to its tragic past.
In 1910, the disastrous Wellington Avalanche derailed cars on the old Great Northern railroad (now the Iron Goat Trail) and killed 100 people in the tunnel.
Nowadays, hikers have reported paranormal activity in the tunnel and heard the screams and voices of those trapped in the tunnel over a hundred years ago. Don’t forget the 10 essentials for hiking, because this is an awful place to get stuck!
With numerous tunnels, a big red caboose, and historical relics, this hike is great for kids or those who want to dig deeper into the haunted sites of Washington.
2. Monte Cristo Ghost Town
The Monte Cristo Ghost Town trail is an 8-mile round trip hike with 700 feet of elevation gain.
Monte Cristo was an old mining town that boomed in the 1890s; today, it is a ghost town with spooky stories to share.
Despite its abandonment, hikers have heard the echoing voices and clanging axes of ghosts working in the mines who still reside in the town!
3. Lime Kiln Trail Mountain Loop Highway
The unusual Lime Kiln Trail is unique for its rich history as a road bed through old lime kilns, townsites, and mossy tunnels, but it’s also said to be one of the most haunted hikes in Washington.
Old relics of saw blades, bricks, and the abandoned lime kiln give this place an eerie feel!
Good for kids and avid hikers alike, the moderate Lime Kiln Trail is 7 miles long roundtrip with an elevation gain of 625 feet.
Make sure to read the historical information at the trailhead for more spooky PNW hiking stories!
Discover More: 30 Incredible Bucket-List Hikes In Washington State
4. The Hoh Rainforest
Passing through the old-growth forests of Washington, the Hoh Rainforest (in Olympic National Park) is home to many trails that are considered to be some of the most haunted hikes in Washington State.
In the spooky Hoh Rainforest lies the Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island (a moderate 10.6 miles roundtrip) and Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier (a hard 37 miles roundtrip).
These hikes in the Hoh Rainforest are home to numerous vampire legends, which comes to no surprise to those who are familiar with the enchanting (and sometimes eerie!) forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the iconic Twilight series that takes place in Forks, Washington.
If you give these hikes a try, don’t be surprised if you catch a sighting of Bigfoot!
Make it an adventure! Take a self-guided Twilight Tour in Forks, Washington.
5. Silver Star Mountain Summit
In 2005, a hiker spotted a shadowy figure at the summit of Silver Star Mountain, which is a moderate 4-mile round trip hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Could it be the infamous Sasquatch? We’ll leave that up to you to decide, if you dare to venture out there!
Located near Battle Ground, Washington, Silver Star Mountain is notoriously difficult to reach, but it’s one of the most haunted hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest and surely one to visit. Before visiting, download one of these essential hiking apps (we recommend FATMAPS) to review the trail prior to heading out.
6. Camp Muir – Mount Rainier National Park
The journey to Camp Muir is one to be taken seriously, because of its difficulty along the 8-mile round trip trail with an elevation gain of 4,640 feet and tragic history.
In the 1970s, two hikers wanted to climb Mount Rainier at any cost.
For fear of dangerous conditions and Nisqually mountain mythology, their guides (part of the Nisqually tribe) refused to take them the entire way up.
The guides claimed that Mount Rainier’s spirit consumed people into her “cave-like stomach,” Therefore, they feared taking the mountaineers any further without repercussions.
At that time, mountaineering was done without as much information or safety technology to navigate dangerous mountain features. However, the stories of Camp Muir still haunt this place!
7. Mine Shaft Trail – Cougar Mountain Area
Mine Shaft Trail is an easy 0.6-mile out-and-back hike with just 77 feet of elevation gain, making it perfect for family adventures and day hikes.
Though it’s short, Mine Shaft Trail lives up to being one of the most spooky hikes in the Pacific Northwest for its deep mine shaft, which visitors can see from the surface.
Here, you can peer into the mines of old and picture the ghosts of miners who spent their time working deep into the Earth on Cougar Mountain in the 1800s.
8. Ginkgo Petrified Forest
Located in Vantage, Washington, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest is one of the largest petrified forests on the planet! It’s also an easy stop to tack on to your Eastern Washington road trip.
The Ginkgo Petrified Forest has numerous interpretive hiking trails (3 miles, roundtrip, with 200 feet elevation gain)–all of which have ancient stories to share.
With the continuous howling wind and caged fossils of petrified trees on the Columbia Plateau, the trails of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest certainly give off an old, spooky vibe.
Come armed with plenty of hiking snacks and water – there is almost no shade here!
9. South Coldwater Trail – Mount St. Helens
Found in the South Cascades, South Coldwater Trail is a moderate 7-mile hike with 1,400 feet of elevation gain that is perfect for more dedicated hikers.
The South Coldwater Trail takes you along the ridge above Coldwater Lake, which was created by the massive eruption of Mount St. Helens!
Like any hike surrounding Mount St. Helens, the South Coldwater Trail tells the story of the volcano’s eruption in the 1980s, including logging operations surrounding Coldwater Lake.
Along the trail, you’ll catch whispers of old workers in the abandoned bulldozer, twisted yarding tower, warped metal, and a cab stuffed full of boulders from the blast of Mount St. Helens, making this trail genuinely haunted!
10. Snoqualmie Tunnel
Part of the easy, 5.3-mile long Palouse to Cascades Trail, the Snoqualmie Tunnel is a great place to visit for kids and ghost hunters alike.
The mysterious and massive Snoqualmie Tunnel is over two miles long and completely in the dark.
The darkness of the Snoqualmie Tunnel plays tricks on the minds of visitors who see just a speck of light on the other end of the tunnel.
In the winter, the tunnel is closed not only due to heavy snow but because of the life-threatening icicles that hikers may not always see, which definitely adds to the unsettling vibe of the tunnel.
If you dare adventure into the echoing Snoqualmie Tunnel, don’t forget a headlamp, jacket, and maybe a buddy as well!
11. Fairfax Ghost Town
Found outside of Mount Rainier National Park, Fairfax Ghost Town is home to an eerie 2.35-mile round trip hike with 104 feet of elevation gain.
The trail meanders through the moss-covered, overgrown townsites of Fairfax Ghost Town. Here, there are many old artifacts like rusty cans, ceramic, glass, and metal strewn about the area!
While Fairfax Ghost Town was abandoned after fires and floods took the town, many structures still stand that tell the alluring stories of the old mining town.
Read More: 20 Incredible Things To Do In Mount Rainier National Park
12. Coal Creek Trail
Are you a history buff? Avid hiker? Ghost hunter? Or just someone looking for a thrill?
Near Issaquah, Washington lies the Coal Creek Trail. It’s a moderate, 6-mile out-and-back hike with 550 feet of elevation gain that is perfect for all types of adventurers.
The forests and old mining shafts surrounding Coal Creek Trail tell the stories of miners–and their ultimate demise–making the trek suitable for this year’s spooky season.
Read More: 15 Convenient Hikes Near Seattle, Washington
13. Lake Crescent
Following the shores of Lake Crescent, the easy Spruce Railroad Trail is a one-way 5-mile long hike with 250 feet of elevation gain.
While the Spruce Railroad Trail is a beautiful day hike in the Olympic National Park to some, it’s one of the most haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest to others because of its dark history.
In 1937, a woman named Hallie Illingworth was brutally murdered by her husband.
Her body was found in the lake in 1940, giving her the title, “Lady of the Lake.”
Because of the glacial minerals in the water and lack of plants that prevent algae growth, the lake preserves a body surprisingly well through the process of saponification, which converts fatty acids into soap.
Some claim that Hallie’s spirit haunts the area. Hikers have said she cries out for help to visitors (but don’t help her or you might get dragged in, too!).
Plan your own spooky route with our popular Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary!
14. Bastyr Haunted Trails
Each year during the spooky season, Bastyr University in Seattle holds an event called “Bastyr Haunted Trails.” This is where university staff and students dress up and create a scary event for kids, teens, and adults!
While you may think of haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest as way out in the forest, this one is easy to reach from town!
The trails feature a new theme every year and attendees can expect their journey to include creepy creatures, trick or treating, and classical scenes from horror films.
Though it costs $20 to attend, this is a night you won’t forget!
Read More: 45 Fun, Free and Cheap Things To Do In Seattle, Washington
15. Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Sasquatch is no stranger to Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
In fact, there are over 600 miles of hiking trails in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Within in, there have been multiple sightings of the notorious Sasquatch!
Some favorite trails in this region include: Falls Creek Falls Trail, Ice Cave, Layser Cave, Iron Creek Falls, High Lakes Ramble, Burley Mountain, and Indian Heaven!
If you’ve got the guts to face this furry friend of the PNW, try your luck in Gifford Pinchot National Forest!
Haunted Hikes In Oregon
Well, what about Washington’s neighbor, Oregon?
Keep reading for some of the most haunted trails in Oregon, to expand your spooky adventure in the Pacific Northwest!
16. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is one of the most intriguing natural wonders in the United States. The lake’s mystery and magic don’t end in just its looks though, this place is filled to the brim with tales of ghosts, legendary beasts, and haunted happenings.
Long ago, the Klamath Tribe of Oregon tells the story of two spirits named Llao and Skell. These spirits fought a terrible battle at the lake. Llao ripped out Skell’s heart, and Skell reacted by slashing Llao to pieces and casting his body parts to the bottom of the lake.
Most scary stories return back to this one, claiming that the lake “sucks people in.“ The spirit residing in Crater Lake is said to blame for disappearances, deaths, and mysterious happenings.
Be especially careful on Garfield Peak Trail and Plaikni Falls Trial. People have been reported to experience a mysterious creature throwing pinecones at them, and their hiking partners acting strange. Don’t go alone!
17. Multnomah Falls Trail, Columbia River Gorge (one of The most unexpected Haunted hikes in the pacific northwest)
Yep, did you know that one of the most well-known Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, Multnomah Falls, has a creepy past?
Long before the famous bridge was constructed, there is a story told that an indigenous woman jumped off the top of the falls to save her village from a spreading illness.
People often claim to feel her presence in the mist. However, the most common sightings are during wintertime when visitors say they can spot her face in the white water.
If you dare, you can hike to the top of the falls yourself. This short 2.6-mile out and back trail can be reached from the Multnomah Falls parking lot.
Read More: 20 Incredible Things To Do In The Columbia River Gorge
18. North Rim Trail, Tyron Creek State Park
Tyron Creek State Natural Area is Portland’s one and only metropolitan state park. It hosts one of the most haunted hikes in Portland. It runs along 5 miles of Tyron creek which is a tributary of the Willamette River.
This area experienced heavy logging in the late 1800 and early 1900s, stripping the land of almost every native tree. Today, you can still see huge stumps in the park.
In the 1960s, what trees remained in the park were felled by a huge windstorm. This was called The Great Columbus Day storm.
There have been many recountings of hikers in the early morning or nighttime hearing horse hooves and men working. Could it be the ghost of loggers?
Read More: 15 Unique Day Trips From Portland, Oregon
19. Scaponia Park, Vernonia
A quiet evening stroll with the family? Think again. Scaponia Park in Vernonia is one of the most haunted places in Oregon!
The story goes about a horse thief who was killed in the park after being found out by locals.
It is said that this young man had a cabin on the park grounds, and was eventually discovered by an angry mob of locals. They dragged him from his house hung him, and shot his dog.
Supposedly, his body was buried in the park by the river, along with his dog.
There aren’t any official trails in this area, but you can dry camp here and wander the paths along the river. Just listen for the man and his dog!
Curious about this place? Tack it on to a road trip through the Oregon Coast (if you’re leaving from Portland).
20. Lithia Park Loop in Ashland, Oregon
In Ashland, Oregon lies Lithia Park Loop. It’s a 2.1-mile trail (with 137 feet elevation gain) that’s popular in town to see the changing red/orange/yellow leaves for fall.
However, that’s not the only thing it’s known for – it has an ominous past with many ghost stories!
Visitors claim to report an apparition of a young girl on the trail. A story goes that she was killed in the park over 100 years ago.
Another story goes that there was a logger who worked here. He, unfortunately, met his fate by getting crushed by a tree. Hikers say they can sometimes hear whistling, probably something he did while he was on the job.
Finally, there is the story of a “dog-faced boy.” He was supposedly a resident of the area, who mysteriously disappeared one day, never to be found again.
Keep your eye out for one (or all!) of these ghosts next time you find yourself in Lithia Park.
21. Cape Arago Lighthouse Loop
Cape Arago Loop is an easy 2.1-mile loop with 59 feet in elevation. It boasts incredible seaside views and hikers are rewarded with a peek of Cape Arago Lighthouse at the crest of the trail.
In 1950 the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw tribes of the Oregon Coast obtained an Indian Burial Ground Easement. It is located on the mainland opposite the lighthouse.
There are small, unofficial trails just north of Sunset Beach at Sunset Bay State Park. Cape Arago Loop is the only official one. It’s highly suggested you stick to the trail, because venturing out may mean your trespassing on an indigenous burial ground.
People who venture off the path claim to feel a sense of unwelcome infringement.
We have personally done this trail before and think it’s one of the most haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest. Both of us felt a huge, heavy feeling that someone was watching us, and was angry.
We will ALWAYS be following the trail if we ever return and never venturing off the path!
Stay Longer: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Coos Bay This Weekend
What are some other haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest? Did we miss any? Tell us your stories in the comments below!
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