In this episode, host Lyle Perez guides listeners through the shadowy history of Washington State. From foggy coastal towns to eerie castles, Washington’s mix of historic landmarks and rainy, mystical landscapes creates the perfect backdrop for the supernatural. Discover 10 haunted spots in Washington where spirits are said to linger—whether in a vintage saloon or the haunted remains of an old hospital.
Featured Locations:
Oxford Saloon, Snohomish
913 First St, Snohomish, WA 98290
The Oxford Saloon in Snohomish has a reputation for dark encounters, particularly in its basement, where violent clashes are said to have taken place. The saloon is haunted by Henry, a bouncer and former policeman, whose spirit often appears near the basement stairs. Henry is known for being especially active around female visitors, with some reporting a sudden, unexplained pinch. Another spectral figure, Kathleen, was a madam who worked in the saloon, and her spirit is often seen in a purple dress, keeping close watch over the space she once managed.
Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
104 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Built in 1927, this historic theater has become home to a young ghost named Judy. Employees report encounters with Judy’s spirit in the balcony, where her soft laughter echoes, and occasionally feel her cold touch on their shoulders. Judy is known to have a playful nature, especially around male staff members, making her presence more charming than frightening. Other strange occurrences include the appearance of glowing orbs and faint, unearthly whispers throughout the building.
Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley
25625 Helmick Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Now part of the Northern State Recreation Area, this former mental hospital housed thousands of patients during the early 1900s, many of whom endured controversial treatments. Visitors often see an apparition of a nurse pushing a wheelchair or hear the faint cries of former patients. The abandoned buildings and ruins give off a chilling, otherworldly atmosphere, especially at night, making it a popular spot for paranormal investigations.
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Thornewood Castle, a Tudor-style mansion, was constructed in the early 1900s and has its own share of resident spirits. Its original owner, Chester Thorne, and his wife Anna are said to haunt the hallways, making occasional appearances to guests. Paranormal investigators frequently capture cold spots in the castle’s sprawling gardens, and ghostly apparitions have been reported in rooms where the Thornes once stayed. The castle’s appearance in Stephen King’s Rose Red has only added to its eerie allure.
Port Gamble, Kitsap Peninsula
Port Gamble, WA 98364
Port Gamble is known for the Walker-Ames House, a Victorian mansion that has attracted ghost hunters from across the nation. Visitors often report the sounds of children laughing and sightings of a woman, possibly a former nanny, roaming the halls. The house is a centerpiece of Port Gamble’s annual Ghost Conference, where paranormal enthusiasts gather to explore the haunted locations around town.
Manresa Castle, Port Townsend
651 Cleveland St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Built in 1892, Manresa Castle is famed for its tragic ghost stories, including that of a Jesuit priest who allegedly took his own life in one of the towers. The priest’s spirit, along with that of a young woman who is said to have leaped to her death, lingers in the castle’s halls. Guests report feeling sudden drops in temperature and hearing faint voices when the halls are empty.
Hotel Sorrento, Seattle
900 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle’s Hotel Sorrento is haunted by Alice B
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.