As Fall cloaks the Central Oregon Coast in foggy atmospherics, a fun way to explore the area is taking in some of the unique and (allegedly!) haunted locations. From Lincoln City to Heceta Head, there are many tales of the uncanny to explore!
Lincoln City
- Devil’s Lake Monster: Not as renowned as the Loch Ness Monster, Lincoln City’s Devil’s Lake allegedly has its own lake-dwelling cryptid. Reportedly the beast sank a boat full of (likely) Tillamook/Siletz scouts who were on a mission across the water. Later the creature was spotted when the water in the lake had receded, but it quickly dove back into deeper water. Perhaps you, too, can spot the lake creature from Regatta Grounds Park which features picnic facilities, a swimming area with a swimming dock, a massive playground and musical playground, ample parking and public amenities.
- Siletz Bay Ghost Ship: Silently appearing from the fog, a ghost ship has been known to haunt the Siletz Bay, south of Lincoln City. Possibly the specter of the Blanco that wrecked in 1864, witnesses claim the crew and its supplies vanished and the ship was cracked in two. The ribs of the vessel could be seen occasionally up until the mid 1960s. The Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to experience the otherworldly beauty of this rugged area.
Depoe Bay
- Gracie’s Sea Hag: Sometimes a person will love a place so much that they can never truly leave. A mischievous but benign poltergeist is rumored to haunt local seafood mainstay Gracie’s Sea Hag, causing equipment to malfunction, bottles to rattle, cutlery to disappear and possibly a corporeal apparition! Book a table and start ghost hunting on a full stomach!
Newport
- Yaquina Bay Lighthouse: Opened briefly from 1871 to 1874 this lighthouse (allegedly the oldest building in Newport) sat abandoned until 1915 when a group of teens explored the building. One of the group, a girl named Muriel, vanished and was said to wander the lantern room, the grounds, and as far down as the beach. Was this tale debunked in the 1980s upon discovery of a short story that exactly matched the grisly details of the local legend? The answer is yes, yet the story lives on and a great way to find out for oneself is to visit the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse Recreation Site!
- Smuggler’s Cove Nightclub (aka the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center): Opened in the 1980’s (but built on the foundation of a house built in the 1880s) the Smuggler’s Cove Nightclub left behind in its closing some spirits that remain attached to the site. The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center occupies the site today and a lonely ghost has been seen in the building. With all manner of enriching activities at the museum and being steps from the Historic Bayfront, maybe one of our nearby Smuggler’s Cove vacation stays can help you on your ghostly journey?
Yachats
- The Ghost Bear: A site for human habitation for probably one and a half millennia, Yachats is no stranger to the unexplained. In its forested hills there have been rumored encounters with an eerie, yet benevolent apparition that has been called a “ghost bear.” Should you find yourself curious to encounter a nature spirit, a good way is via the 804 Trail! This trail heads north from Yachats State Recreation Site through incredible ocean views, coves and tidepools to a cozy sandy beach. It’s a great way to get to know the uniqueness of this special place!
Florence
- Heceta Head Lighthouse: Possibly one of the most famous haunting sites in America is the Heceta Head Light House. Beginning operation in 1894, this incredible place (complete with guided tours & hiking trails) was used as a barracks during the second World War and, after its closure in the 1960s, a satellite campus for Lane Community College. The Queen Anne-style lightkeeper’s quarters is said to be haunted by a spirit named “Rue” who is thought to be the lightkeeper’s wife who perished searching for her lost daughter. Rue is said to be quite an active ghost, notably interfering with any and all attempts to repair the building.
- Carnival of Terror: For four days in October (Oct. 25th, 26th, 29th & 30th) the Florence Events Center is home to Carnival Of Terror: Haunted Maze! Meet the spookiness head-on and treat yourself to a Halloween confection or two!