Take A Haunted Road Trip To Visit Some Of The Spookiest Places In Northern California
By Jill S.|Updated on October 07, 2021(Originally published October 06, 2021)
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Jill S.
Author
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
Northern California has a heritage and history that’s as rich as its gold-laden riverbanks. That means we have a few ghosts hiding in the attic, so to speak. There are spooky spots all over the region, but to experience the most haunted places in Northern California, all you need to do is follow this itinerary.
For a customizable map to these locations, click here.
If you live for a good thrill, buckle up and seek out the haunted ghosts on this spooky North Coast drive.
This lighthouse is allegedly haunted by a former lightkeeper. It’s been said that he is heard ascending the spiral staircase and visitors and caretakers have felt someone touch them when no one is present. He’s also been known to move things at night and rock in the rocking chair. This Northern California ghost doesn’t seem to be malicious, but his presence might still give you the heebie-jeebies. Address: Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA, 95531.
This is a historic 19th-century house that was owned by Lillian McNulty, a woman who passed away in 1957. When she died, she wanted her house to become a library or pioneer museum. It was for several decades, but it was turned back in a private residence several years later. Apparently, Lillian’s spirit didn’t like this change of plans, and she began haunting the residence soon after. She is often seen at the kitchen window looking towards the church that she used to attend. Address: 710 H Street,
Crescent City, CA, 95531.
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3. Humboldt Brews, Arcata
Humboldt Brews LLC, 856 10th St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
Despite the lively atmosphere at this fun bar, it’s apparently haunted. Stop in here on your way through town for stories about how drinks will move on their own and other strange happenings. It’s been said that people have heard disembodied voices and footsteps coming from places where no one can be seen, as well. Address: 856 10th Street, Arcata, CA, 95521.
The entire town of Samoa is said to be haunted, but Cadman Court Street - known as the street with all of the abandoned houses - has the highest concentration of hauntings. There's a haunted mirror in the upstairs bedroom closet at house number 18. Apparently, the spirit of a little girl has appeared in the mirror and spoken with people. There is also an angry man who haunts this particular house. It's certainly one of the most haunted places in Northern California.
Of all the scary places in Northern California, this one is possibly the most bone-chilling. With its old buildings in various states of disuse, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park has been home to ghosts and spirits for a long time. One of the apparitions is a post commander who died of malaria in 1859 and who has been seen at the window of the old hospital building. People have also heard mysterious sounds. Address: 3431 Fort Avenue, Eureka, CA, 95503.
6. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, Ferndale
Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 447 Main St, Ferndale, CA 95536, USA
This local historic theater has a crazy story… There’s a mysterious cat that only appears late at night and is believed to be a shape-shifting ghost named Bertha. She’s been known to walk the aisles during performances, lock the bathroom door from the inside, and answer the phone at night when there’s no one around. Address: 447 Main Street, Ferndale, CA, 95536.
Though Scotia Inn is not currently open for people to stay the night, it’s a historic place with a creepy ghost named Frank. He haunts the top floor and visitors to the inn when it hosted guests reported hearing unexplained footsteps, noises and voices. People have also seen the spirit of a little boy playing with a ball here. Address: 100 Main Street, Scotia, CA, 95562.
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8. The Redwood Coast Inn, Fort Bragg
The Redwood Coast Inn, 615 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Formerly The Grey Whale Inn, this beautiful building has an unusual past. It was once a hospital that served the area and male and female ghosts are often seen outside and at the windows here. Address: 615 N Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437.
9. MacCallum House. Mendocino
MacCallum House Inn, 45020 Albion St, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA
This idyllic inn is home to one of the creepiest Northern California ghost stories. This 1882 residence is now a quaint bed and breakfast. Not much is known about the spirit, but it’s thought that he might be the son of the original owner. Over the years, guests have seen and heard a few paranormal activities that make this historic house a little spooky. Address: 45020 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA, 95460.
Have you seen any ghosts in Northern California? What did you think of these spooky spots? Be sure to suggest anymore of the most haunted places in Northern California that we might have missed.
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More to Explore
Most Haunted Places In Northern California
Elisa Regulski |August 27, 2019
What is the most famous ghost story from Northern California?
The most famous ghost story in Northern California takes place at Murphys Historic Hotel. According to legend, a ghost named Eleanor roams the hallways. She’s believed to be the spirit of a former hotel maid. When she’s angry, she’s known to throw small objects through the air. So many spooky events have occurred at this hotel, the staff keeps a journal. If you happen to experience something paranormal, you can jot down your story in their large collection.
What is the most haunted town in Northern California?
Samoa is the most haunted town in Northern California. It’s not uncommon to encounter spirits from the other side all throughout this city. The most spooky area, however, is Cadman Court Street. Visitors have reported seeing spectral visions in the windows.
What is the creepiest abandoned place in Northern California?
Chinese Camp, located near Sierra Nevada, is the creepiest abandoned ghost town in Northern California. Today, the area is home to several dilapidated homes and a creepy old church. There’s even a graveyard that’s reportedly full of paranormal activity. If you decide to do some ghost hunting here, be careful. This spooky destination is known to give people the creeps.
