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Even More Haunted Fun in Stumptown

Greetings my fellow fans of the paranormal and unusual... Welcome back to yet another addition of Haunted Fun in the City of Roses. You know, this is becoming more and more difficult. So much so, that I may need you fine readers to start sending me your tales of paranormal terror… However, that day has not yet come and so... Let’s get on with creepiness!!!

The Portland Shanghai Tunnels – You know I've left this off the paranormal list for a reason. To me, this is simply a place that most, if not all, Portlanders know about. However, as this fine site is attracting more and more national readers, I felt it was high time to add this local standard. While modern-day Portland is known as a bastion of "progressive" thought and outlook, there was a time Portland was the original Sin City. Brothels, gambling, and racketeering were the norm. However, all these acts paled to the act of Shanghaiing. Rare was the riverside tavern or inn that did not include trapdoors and tunnels where drugged (and sometimes murdered) strangers were dropped and sold to unscrupulous captains. There is even a rumor that one of Portland’s more notorious businessmen shanghaied his own son to a merchant vessel. The practice of Shanghaiing continued until 1941 when the US Navy threatened to police Portland (and the British Government called Portland "An Unsafe Harbor").

Today, most of Portland's tunnels are buried and covered by various downtown businesses. However, you can still book a tour through the Cascade Geographic Society. Although the chances of seeing multiple spirits is high, your odds are greater if you book the ghost tour... Call CGS at 503-622-4798.

The Hollywood Theatre – Built in 1923, the The Hollywood Theatre stands proudly over the Hollywood District. Several managers have seen a man dressed in a white 1940s era suit pacing back and forth in the upstairs lobby area. There are some who feel this is the spirit of the designer who believed the Hollywood Theatre to be his greatest creation. While I have never seen this ivory Spectre, I can state that many a strange sounds and lights have been experienced while working late at night... Whether this is due to the age of the classic building or the spirits of the dead remains to be seen...

North End of Sauvie Island – First, keep an eye out for the nudists… Course, you will likely go in October, so the odds of coming upon a nudist are slim… However, if you travel the grounds by the dark of the moon, you may come upon a man and his phantom dog... Both of whom were killed by an angry mob who believed him to be a horse thief... Why they killed the dog, no one knows.

The Willamette River – As far as ghosts sightings go, this one seems a little far-fetched to me. Not because I don’t believe in the possibility of a phantom rowboat cruising the Willamette. No, I find this one far-fetched because it is so new. Why have there only been sightings within the past 2 years? While I doubt I will receive a reply, I contacted the Coast Guard to confirm reports that they have been contacted regarding the phantom rowboat… However, if you’ve seen this craft, please drop me a line. I would love to here more.

Well... That wraps up this years Paranormal Portland... If your favorite haunt isn’t listed, be sure to check out the first and second installments. Alternatively, send me your local tale of spiritual sightings...