Although Portland, Oregon, is currently best known as a place where hipsters can visit the trendiest cafes and art galleries, it has a darker side as well. In fact, the city and surrounding areas have their share of houses and other places that are reputed to be haunted. If you’re in the mood to explore the most haunted places in Portland, here are a few suggestions.

The Shanghai Tunnels

The Shanghai Tunnels in Portland have a sinister history that, according to many observers, has resulted in being haunted to this day. Shanghai is not only a city in China, but the term used to describe the practice of forcing people into slavery on ships. This practice was common when the tunnels connected many bars, brothels and gambling halls. Many ghostly spirits reportedly still roam these creepy tunnels. If you want to explore the tunnels today, you must sign up with a tour.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on the Historic Columbia River Highway in Multnomah County, Oregon. The scenic view of the falls, along with the proximity of hiking trails, makes it a popular tourist destination. Visitors have reported seeing the face of a mysterious young woman in the water. There is actually an old Native American tale that supports the notion that the falls are haunted. The story tells of a young woman who leapt into the falls when her village was suffering from a deadly illness. Her death was a sacrifice to appease the spirits so they would save her people.

McMenamins Edgefield

This is another haunted spot in Multnomah County, in the town of Troutdale. Edgefield consists of a hotel, restaurant, golf course, winery and more. The area, however, has a long and troubled history. It opened as Multnomah County Poor Farm in 1911 as a boarding house for people who needed food and shelter. In 1962, it became Edgefield Manor, a nursing home. Over the years, a wide variety of patients and inmates were housed here, including tuberculosis patients, emotionally disturbed children and even prisoners. It was purchased by the McMenamin family in 1990 and transformed into a hotel. Guests often report seeing paranormal activity both inside the hotel and on the property. Room 215 is the room where apparitions are most commonly reported.

Benson Hotel

The Benson Hotel was built in Downtown Portland in 1913 by a businessman named Simon Benson. It has undergone several renovations over the years, most recently in 1990. Guests and staff have reported seeing several ghosts in the hotel. Simon Benson himself is one of the apparitions most often reported. He is often seen walking down the stairs, dressed either in lumberjack gear or in a formal suit. Since Benson was a lumberjack magnate, this is fitting. Other ghosts are often spotted as well. These include a mysterious lady dressed in white who wanders various halls of the Benson Hotel.

Stark Street

There is an entire street in downtown Portland that has the reputation of being haunted. People have long reported seeing ghosts on Stark Street, which is near the waterfront. Ghostly images are also sometimes seen in photographs taken in this area. Historians and ghost hunters note that the Stark Street Ferry once transported passengers across the Willamette river. Among other things, this ferry would often transport bodies across the river for funerals. This could account for some restless spirits still being drawn to Stark Street.

McMenamins Edgefield Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Multnomah_County_Poor_Farm_-_Troutdale_Oregon.jpg