The Heathman Hotel Blog Haunted Portland

The Pacific Northwest welcomes fall with open arms, beautiful fall colors can be seen all over the city (we recommend a stroll through the Park Blocks to catch some of the best foliage), beer gets thicker, and the coffee gets warmer as the outside temperatures drop. With Halloween fast approaching we thought that we would take a moment to highlight the spookier side of PDX.Since 1843 Portland has built a rich history, with plenty of haunts and ghost stories. "Old Town" is host to more than its fair share of spooks, from the Shanghai Tunnels that are rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of kidnapped men, and most notably the "Woman in White" Nina that some say can be spotted in the basement of Old Town Pizza with its dim lighting and spooky atmosphere. Even the Willamette River itself is supposedly haunted, a rowboat has been spotted sans passengers multiple times.The Heathman itself is purported to be a haunted venue, with 88 years of history, and just as many stories. Guests and staff alike have reported objects moving, strange shadows, and the occasional cold spot in certain areas of the hotel. A former employee of the hotel was even a certified "Ghost Hunter," and attempted to record and track his findings. Rooms 1003 to 303 seem to have the most activity, with 703 being the haunt of choice for good-natured spirits.If you are looking for some Halloween entertainment in a haunted locale, check out the Hollywood theater, the Bagdad Theater, the Roseland Theater, and Oaks Amusement Park, all of which have plenty of mysterious history. Or, if you are feeling brave try a tour of the Lone Fir Cemetery for a candle-lit expedition http://www.friendsoflonefircemetery.org/ For some more information on Portland's haunted history check out http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/news/2010/10/haunted_portland_where_things_go_bump_in_the_night/Happy Hauntings!