Haunted Places in Tacoma & Seattle

Western Washington has many haunted spots for you to check out. The most famous in my book is Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Washington. The hospital itself is built on the site of the old Fort Steilcoom. These buildings are plenty spooky but it is the tunnel that goes from the main hospital to the other side of Steilacoom Blvd. that is really spooky. On the other side of the road there is the old Mental Hospital that is in ruins.

In years past this has been a really interesting place to go and take pictures. The buildings have crumbled and there is graffiti everywhere on the walls and steps. I never went there alone and would not recommend it. Now the ruins are so broken down that rebar is sticking up so I would be careful. Just visiting the barns around it is a little spooky. The hospital apparently kept their own livestock so there are barns and silos down below the hospital site.

Also in the area of Lakewood is the famous Thornwood Castle. This was the castle that was totally refurbished to create the sets for Stephen King's Television production of "Rose Red". This is an actual castle that was brought over from Europe, brick by brick and rebuilt here. There website has pictures of ghosts that have been taken by guests staying at the Castle. The owners have created a very upscale Bed & Breakfast.

In downtown Tacoma there is the Old City Hall with its beautiful architecture and bell tower. This building was completely refurbished and has beautiful suites as well as a wonderful restaurant on the main floor called the "Tacoma Bar & Grill". If you stop in and have a bite to eat they will tell about the their ghost whom they fondly refer to as Gus. Apparently even the security guard knows about Gus.

When you are in Seattle you have to visit the Pike's Place Market and it has its ghosts. It is said that you can see an Indian woman walking around carrying baskets and those in the know believe that this is the daughter of Chief Seattle. Also in and around the market is Seattle's Underground City. This is an area of activity although it is fussy about when its ghosts decide to appear. There is a good tour of the Underground City.