Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound from invasion, this fort in Washington is now an iconic state park in the beautiful little city of Port Townsend. You’ll find restaurants, cottages, retreat housing, and dozens of campsites inside the complex. Campers can choose one of 30 forested campsites, 50 beach campsites, and four primitive sites. But there’s more to Fort Worden’s history than meets the eye – check it out if you dare! Is Fort Worden haunted? Well… you be the judge: 

As peaceful of a place as Fort Worden is to spend the night, it’s also harboring a (well-known) secret: It's kind of haunted.
Mr. Regala / Flickr
In fact, it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Washington.
Fort Worden was established in 1889 as part of the Coastal Defense System.
Dan DeLuca / Flickr
The original soldiers who were stationed here lived in tents on top of Artillery Hill, with the first existing buildings built from 1902-1904. By the time the construction was finished, Fort Worden was more like a small city than a base.

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So why would there be hauntings here?
Kimberlyernest via Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps because it goes to reason that the fort would have had a jail for the enlisted personnel who had issues with anger or alcohol and needed some time in the "Brig." It could be because after the base shut down in 1953, it was purchased in 1957 by the state and became a treatment facility for "troubled youth" until the 1970s. Maybe it’s because of the onsite military cemetery. There are also rumors of a soldier taking his life there.
The stories of strange things happening here are nearly endless.
Eli Duke / Flickr
Hikers and campers report that on cloudy days, moans can be heard from the confines of the dark hallways of the barracks. At dusk, images of vibrating lights can be seen inside some of the buildings that don’t have running electricity. The smell of burning coal, burning rubber, or hot sulfur has been noticed in the front area of the main house, just inside the front door. There has even been a photo of a spirit in purple clothing captured by a Seattle paranormal investigator. Many people who visit claim they feel like they’re being watched.
Of course, plenty of people have camped at Fort Worden without seeing or sensing anything.
Dale Musselman / Flickr
And it truly is a beautiful place to stay. So check it out the next time you’re in the area… if you’re feeling brave.

Explore this fascinating fort in all its eerie glory in this firsthand walkthrough video:

Check out the Washington State Parks website for more information, including rates and availability.

If you have visited Fort Worden in Washington, did you know about Port Townsend’s dark history? Let us know in the comments section!

If you feel like going ghost hunting, here are even more haunted places in Washington that you can drive to that are said to be oh-so-spooky.

These 13 Haunted Places In Washington Will Keep You Up At Night

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Fort Worden In Washington

Jackie Ann | February 19, 2021

What are the most haunted places in Washington?

The most haunted places in Washington include:

  • Black Diamond Cemetery: It’s no surprise that one of the most haunted spots in Washington is a cemetery, and Black Diamond Cemetery has earned its reputation for good reason. Here, visitors have reported sightings of a galloping phantom horse, spooky swinging lanterns, hearing ghostly voices, and eerie whistles.
  • Tacoma Old City Hall: Unexplained activities like flickering lights and mysteriously tripped alarms at The Tacoma Old City Hall have earned its ranking among one of the most haunted places in The Evergreen State.
  • Oxford Saloon: The violent history of the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish has led to reports of multiple hauntings in the building, including sightings of a woman’s figure roaming the halls dressed all in purple.

What are the most popular ghost stories in Washington?

The most popular ghost stories in Washington include:

  • Point Defiance Park: One of the most popular and bone-chilling ghost stories in Washington is that of Point Defiance Park. As the tale is told, the ghost of a murdered little girl has been seen riding her bike around the park but vanishes if anyone approaches.
  • Capitol House Apartments: Once a hospital In Olympia, The Capitol House Apartments on Sherman Street is a hot spot for paranormal activity. Among the scary observances in the building is a figure rocking in an old chair on the bottom floor.
  • Billy's Bar and Grill: One of the most reportedly haunted restaurants in Washington is located in Aberdeen, Billy’s Bar and Grill. The bar was named after the secretary of the sailor’s union, Billy Gohl who had been known to brutally murder sailors after luring them to the bar. It’s said you can see the visage of Billy looming behind the bar.

What are the most unique places to spend the night in Washington?

Washington is home to an abundance of unique stays ranging from scenic overnight spots to world-class natural spas. The most unique places to spend the night in Washington include:

  • Stormking Spa: Head out to The Mount Rainier National Park when you're in the mood for a completely relaxing retreat. The Stormking Spa offers guest cabins with starry skylights, luxurious hot tubs, and cozy hammocks perfect for hours of stress-free lounging.
  • The Inn at Market Place: This unique hotel lets you stay right in the heart of the iconic Pike Place Market in Seattle. The stunning roof-top view allows you to see the beautiful Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle waterfront.
  • Cave B Inn & Spa: In Quincy, surround yourself with scenic vineyards and lush landscapes at the Cave B Inn & Spa. Stay in one of their Cavern Rooms which feature a basalt rock cave entrance and soaking tubs with views of the Columbia River.
  • Hotel Bellwether: A favorite stay in Bellingham is in the Lighthouse Suite of the Hotel Bellwether. There, guests marvel at the 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Squalicum Harbor, and the San Juan Islands from the observation area accessed by a charming spiral staircase.

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Fort Worden Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA