Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths

Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths offers an engaging 1-hour walking tour through Portland’s Old Town neighborhood, focusing on its haunted locations and dark history. Priced at $24 per person, this tour is designed for those curious about the city’s spooky past and the legends that linger in its historic sites. The tour departs at 8:00 pm from the Harlow Hotel and wraps up at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, where ghost stories continue in a lively pub atmosphere. With group sizes limited to 15 guests, this experience give you a personalized and intimate look into Portland’s supernatural tales, guided by local storytellers who bring the city’s eerie legends to life.

While the tour offers a compact, hour-long exploration packed with stories and stops, it’s important to keep in mind that it does not include admission to the visited locations. The focus remains on sharing ghost tales and local lore, making it suitable for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike. The tour is booked an average of 11 days in advance, so early planning helps secure a spot in this popular experience.

Key Points

• 1-hour walking ghost tour through Portland’s Old Town neighborhood
• Only $24 per person, with small group size for personalized attention
• Stops at haunted landmarks including the Harlow Hotel, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Kells Irish Pub
• Guided by local storytellers sharing well-researched and updated ghost stories
• No entry fees or admission costs to the buildings visited
• Tour ends at Kells Irish Pub, where eerie tales continue in a lively setting

Exploring Portland’s Haunted Old Town Neighborhood

The Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths tour takes place entirely within the historic Old Town district, an area known for its storied past and its reputation for supernatural activity. The tour’s start at the Harlow Hotel introduces visitors to a site where guests and staff have reported shadowy figures and unexplained footsteps. The hotel’s vintage facade adds to the haunted charm, and even though access is free, the stories about spectral residents add a spooky layer to its historic appeal.

Next, the tour visits the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which appears serene but hides ghostly encounters beneath its tranquil surface. Visitors have experienced whispers and sightings of ghostly figures among the lush landscape. This stop emphasizes Portland’s cultural history alongside its spectral tales, creating a contrast between peaceful beauty and ghostly whispers.

The Shanghai Tunnels and Their Ghostly Secrets

A highlight of this tour is the exploration of 120 NW 3rd Ave, where the Shanghai Tunnels tell tales of abduction and illegal activity beneath Portland’s streets. These dark, underground passageways are reputedly haunted by those who met grim fates, creating a chilling atmosphere. Visitors can imagine the shadows and echoes of Portland’s past crimes, making this stop particularly atmospheric for those interested in the city’s mysterious underground history.

Haunted Historic Pubs and Theaters

The tour continues with stops at the Old Town Pizza & Brewing, a location built atop a former brothel where ghostly patrons are believed to still wander. Reports include sightings of apparitions and unexplained noises, adding a supernatural twist to a lively dining spot. This site combines Portland’s vibrant food scene with its haunted reputation.

Further along, the Roseland Theater is presented as a lively venue with a spectral past. Staff and visitors have reported seeing ghostly presences and hearing mysterious sounds during performances, which makes for a fascinating blend of entertainment and paranormal activity.

The Benson Portland Hotel is another haunted site. Known for its luxurious accommodations and history, it’s said that guests have encountered apparitions and unsettling encounters with former residents. The grandeur of the hotel contrasts sharply with its ghostly stories, making it a compelling stop for those interested in haunted hospitality.

Unnerving Locations: Southwest Pine Street & 2nd Avenue

An unusual stop is the parking lot at Southwest Pine Street and Southwest 2nd Avenue. Known for strange sounds and ghostly sightings at night, this spot’s reputation adds an eerie dimension to the tour. Visitors report hearing unusual noises and seeing apparitions wandering the area, which enhances the spooky atmosphere of the overall experience.

Kells Irish Pub: The Final Ghostly Chapter

The tour concludes at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, a lively spot renowned for its energetic ambiance, but also its supernatural stories. Patrons and staff have experienced sightings of apparitions that seem to linger from the pub’s long history. The pub’s historic charm paired with ghostly activity makes it a unique and fitting end to the tour, where the storytelling continues in a more social setting.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is the Harlow Hotel at 722 NW Glisan St, a convenient location near public transportation. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through various Portland neighborhoods and historic sites. The group size is limited to 15 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Booking in advance is recommended, with the average booking window of 11 days. The tour features a mobile ticket, making it easy to access on the day of the experience. It ends at Kells Irish Pub at 112 SW 2nd Ave, where the guide shares more tales before your depart.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This ghost tour offers photo opportunities throughout the evening and features well-researched, updated ghost stories based on eyewitness accounts of paranormal activity. However, it does not include admission to any of the visited sites or stops, as the focus is primarily on storytelling. Guests should bring their own curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Safety, Accessibility, and Considerations

The tour is designed for an audience with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and standing for about an hour. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The tour is suitable for those interested in local history and ghost stories, but it’s important to note that some areas, like the parking lot, may feel less safe at night based on reports.

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations or changes are non-refundable, so planning ahead ensures a smooth experience.

The Reputation: What Past Attendees Say

With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating based on 273 reviews, this tour generally receives positive feedback for knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling. Many reviews praise guides like Brendan and Victoria for their entertaining, informative approach and ability to include all guests. The stories about Portland’s dark past, combined with personal anecdotes, keep the tour lively and authentic.

However, some reviews mention concerns about safety and the neighborhood, especially in the downtown and Old Town areas, where there have been reports of homelessness and safety issues. A few guests have expressed dissatisfaction with the tour’s focus, feeling it leaned more into history than supernatural lore or that it could be longer for more depth.

Final Thoughts on Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths

This ghost tour offers a cost-effective, engaging hour of exploring Portland’s haunted sites. The small-group size ensures personal attention, and the local guides are praised for their storytelling skills. The stops at iconic haunted locations like the Harlow Hotel, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Kells Irish Pub provide a mix of history, folklore, and ghostly tales.

While the tour does not include access to buildings, the focus on storytelling and eyewitness accounts makes it suitable for those interested in Portland’s eerie legends. Be aware of neighborhood safety concerns, especially if exploring the outskirts or late at night. For ghost lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Portland’s haunted past, this tour offers a memorable, if brief, experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally appropriate for guests with moderate physical fitness, but the spooky themes may not be suitable for very young children.

Does the tour include access to haunted buildings?
No, it does not include admission to any of the stops; it is a walking storytelling experience.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Harlow Hotel, 722 NW Glisan St.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It involves walking and standing, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour unique?
The focus on Portland’s haunted locations with well-researched stories, led by local guides, and the small group size for more personalized experience.

Are there any safety concerns?
Some reviews mention neighborhood safety issues, especially late at night in certain areas, so caution is advised.

What is the ending location?
The tour concludes at Kells Irish Pub, where storytelling continues in a lively setting.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those interested in ghost stories tied closely to Portland’s history and looking for a budget-friendly, engaging experience.