Washington is a pretty mysterious place. Aside from all of our dark Evergreen forests, you can find many abandoned ghost towns and creepy old buildings that are believed to be haunted. If you’re up for a day of exploring, here’s a haunted road trip in Washington that will take you to some of the most terrifying places around the western side of our state in about 9-10 hours. You can check out more info and adjust the directions on the Google Map here…if you dare:

Google Maps
1. Butterworth Building – now Kells Irish Pub, Seattle
Seattle Muncipal Archives / Flickr
This mortuary-turned-Irish pub is the perfect place to kick off a haunted trip. You may want to skip on the Guinness before hitting the road, but you've got to try some of their amazing shepherd's pie. The creepy place has even been featured on Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel, with a history of dead bodies at the building due to mining accidents and violence back in the 1900s. Learn more about the haunted history behind this iconic bar in Washington.
2. University Heights, Seattle
Joe Mabel / Wikipedia
While you're in Seattle, you've got to head up to the U-District neighborhood and check out this old school-turned-community center. It's believed to be home to a young boy ghost who used to be a student haunts the halls. Many visitors have claimed hearing children laughing and playing here, and investigators have picked up signals as well.
3. Northern State Asylum, Sedro-Woolley
Selbe Lynn / Flickr
There aren't many more petrifying places in our state than this old mental asylum up north. Some parts of the building are still in use for Job Corps, while other areas are open to the public. The old hospital was known to perform unusual treatments like electroshock therapy and lobotomies. For a closer look inside this haunted spot, check out footage that takes you inside this abandoned asylum.

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4. Capitol Theater, Yakima
Jasperdo / Flickr
If you head down to Yakima, you'll be able to check out this haunted theater. While they do put on great shows, you may be freaked out by a mischievous ghost that's been reported around the building. The spirit's widely known as Shorty, and he's supposedly been around for over 60 years. He has a habit of flicking electrical switches, opening and closing doors, lowering stage curtains, flushing toilets, stealing props, making sound systems cut out and playing other pranks. Capitol Theater may keep temporary hours, so be sure to check out the official website before planning your visit.
5. Claquato
Jeremy Quist / Flickr
There are several creepy ghost towns to explore in Washington, but this old lumber town is right along the way of this route. If you stop by on your trip, you'll be able to get a good look at the old cemetery and this Methodist church - which is the oldest standing building in Washington.
6. Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
Lara604 / Flickr
Many people know this castle as a picture perfect place to get married or as a B&B - but it's also been home to a lot of paranormal activity. It even famously starred as the haunted mansion in Stephen King's ABC television mini-series, "Rose Red." Learn more about how you can spend the night in this haunted Washington bed & breakfast.
7. Old City Hall, Tacoma
Flickr / Joe
The last stop on our haunted road trip in Washington is Old City Hall. If you head back north, you'll definitely want to swing by and see the Old City Hall in Tacoma. There were excerpts from the Tacoma News Tribune on February 18, 1974 that documented police had been called to this old building repeatedly because break-in and fire alarms were being set off, but there was no explanation as to why. Lights had also flickered in rooms that were empty, but no intruders were ever found.

From here, the route continues back north to Kells Pub in the Butterworth Building, which completes the terrifying loop.

Would you take this haunted road trip in Washington? What are some other creepy places you’d recommend stopping along the way?

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haunted road trip in washington

Beth C. | May 04, 2021

What are the most haunted places in Washington?

As you learned from reading about our haunted road trip in Washington, the Evergreen State has its fair share of paranormal activity. Looking for some more spooky spots in the state? The following is a list of some of the most haunted places in Washington: Black Diamond Cemetery, Oxford Saloon, Campbell House, Hotel de Haro in Roche Harbor, Mount Baker Theater, Lewis County Historical Museum, Rucker Mansion, Meeker Mansion, Tokeland Hotel, and, as mentioned above, the Northern State Mental Hospital. For more information, check out our previous article: These 13 Haunted Places in Washington Will Keep You Up At Night.

What are the best road trips in Washington?

Washington is a massive state, and therefore, one of the best ways to explore it is by hopping in the car and going for a drive. Fortunately, we've outlined some great road trip itineraries to help you make the most of your time in the Evergreen State. If you're someone who loves being outside, you might consider taking a drive along the Olympic Peninsula. Or, if you're enchanted by waterfalls, check out our ultimate waterfall road trip through Washington.

What's the creepiest place in Washington?

There are some places in Washington that are just downright creepy. In most cases, it's because of the haunted history lingering behind the walls. Or perhaps it's a disquieting feeling when you enter the room. Either way, you'll agree that the following places are truly eerie: Oxford Saloon, 5 Mile Drive in Tacoma, Bigelow House Museum, Billy's Bar & Grill, Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort, Olymipc Club Hotel, and the Black Diamond Cemetery. Learn more about these spooky places in Washington...if you're feeling brave!

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Featured Addresses
Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar, 1916 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
Northern State Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA
19 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
Claquato, WA 98532, USA
Thornewood Castle, 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
Old City Hall Tacoma, 625 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA