Haunted Seattle: Chilling Locations You Need to Visit
Seattle may be best known for its coffee, grunge music, lack of fashion sense and iconic Space Needle, but you probably didn’t know it also has a spooky side. Beneath the lush evergreen trees and rainy skies, this city harbors tales of ghosts, haunted spots, and paranormal activity. Whether you’re a skeptic or a full-on believer, these haunted locations are sure to give you chills. So grab your favorite venti espresso flat white with oat milk and join me on a ghostly tour of Seattle’s most haunted spots!
1. The Seattle Underground
Let’s start with one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Seattle Underground isn’t just a quirky tourist attraction; it’s also said to be crawling with restless spirits. Back in the late 1800s, much of what is now Pioneer Square burned to the ground in the Great Fire of 1889. When the city was rebuilt, they elevated the streets, leaving the old storefronts and sidewalks buried below.
A few tour companies have popped up to allow people to walk through the safe areas of what is left of Seattle’s underground city. Visitors and guides have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling cold spots, and even seeing shadowy figures darting through the dark. Could these be the ghosts of workers or residents from Seattle’s early days? I’ve been twice to the underground and it does give you the creepy crawlies, several times I’ve been afraid to look behind me because it felt like someone was staring at me. I guess you’ll have to book a tour and find out — if you dare.
2. Kells Irish Pub
Housed in what used to be a mortuary, Kells Irish Pub in Pike Place Market is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Staff and patrons have reported strange occurrences, like glasses flying off shelves, lights flickering, and even a ghostly little girl who likes to play pranks. The pub’s rich history and connection to death make it a prime location for spirits who just can’t move on. It was even featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures, if that’s your thing. But don’t let the hauntings scare you away; their shepherd’s pie is to die for.
3. The Moore Theatre
As one of the oldest theaters in Seattle, The Moore Theatre has its fair share of ghostly tales. Actors and crew members have reported unexplained footsteps, ghostly whispers, and even apparitions in period clothing. Some say the spirit of a former stagehand still roams the catwalks, while others claim to have seen a woman in a white dress watching rehearsals from the balcony. Catch a show here, and you might end up with a spectral audience member sitting next to you.
4. Pioneer Square
The historic heart of Seattle is also one of its spookiest neighborhoods. Pioneer Square’s cobblestone streets and old buildings are steeped in history—and hauntings. The area is said to be home to multiple spirits, including the ghost of a Native American chief and victims of past crimes. Visitors have reported ghostly encounters while walking the square, and paranormal investigators have picked up mysterious EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) during their hunts.
5. Harborview Medical Center
Hospitals are inherently creepy, and Harborview Medical Center is no exception. Built in the 1930s, this hospital has seen its fair share of tragedy. Employees and visitors alike have reported hearing ghostly footsteps in empty hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and even apparitions of former patients. If walls could talk, this place would have some chilling stories to tell.
6. Lake View Cemetery
No haunted list is complete without a cemetery, and Lake View Cemetery in Seattle doesn’t disappoint. The final resting place of martial arts legend Bruce Lee and his son Brandon, this cemetery is also rumored to be haunted. Visitors have reported feeling an eerie presence, hearing whispers, and seeing mysterious figures roaming the grounds at night. Pay your respects, but don’t be surprised if you leave with goosebumps.
7. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is more than just a place to buy fresh fish and flowers; it’s also a hotbed of paranormal activity. With its long history as a bustling marketplace, it’s no wonder that spirits linger here. The ghost of a former market owner named Arthur is said to roam the halls, along with a slew of other apparitions. Some vendors even claim their products have been mysteriously moved or tampered with overnight.
Ready for a Haunted Adventure?
Seattle’s haunted spots offer a unique way to experience the city’s rich history and mysterious charm. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for a new adventure, these spooky locations are perfect for exploring—especially as the fog rolls in. Have you visited any of these haunted spots, or do you have a ghost story of your own? Let me know in the comments below!
