8 Spooky Hikes in Washington State
As October approaches and the air grows crisp, what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to embark on a spooky hiking adventure?
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a beginner, Washington State offers a range of haunted hikes sure to chill your bones.
Here are eight eerie trails, complete with their unnerving backstories.
8 Best Haunted Hikes in Washington
One of my favorite things about living in the PNW is the epic hiking adventures that can be found, especially in the fall.
Autumn leaves in Washington State are absolutely gorgeous, from the golden larches to the red-tinged leaves amongst the evergreens, you won’t find a better place to explore nature and enjoy the crisp fall and last rays of PNW sunshine.
🥾 Grab your hiking passes here:
✅ Discover Pass
✅ NW Forest Pass
✅ America the Beautiful Pass
1. Tubal Cain Mine Trail
- Length: 8 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Why It’s Creepy: This trail is not just a trek through lush forests but a walk back in time. Aside from abandoned mining sites, the real gem is off a spur trail to Tull Canyon, where you’ll find the site of a B-17 plane crash from 1952. Three of the eight passengers onboard perished, and the remains of the crash add an eerie atmosphere to the hike.
Most of this hike is fairly easygoing, although the last little bit is pretty steep. When you get to the wreckage, remember that this is the final resting place of 3 humans, and you should be respectful.
I was saddened by the graffiti, trash, and destruction of the site the last time we were there.
2. Iron Goat Trail
- Length: 6 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Why It’s Creepy: The trail stands as a silent witness to a tragic history. In 1910, two trains were stuck in a blizzard for nearly six days. A lightning-triggered avalanche swept them into the Tye River Valley, burying them under dozens of feet of snow and killing 96 people. Those who dare to hike here claim to hear phantom train whistles.
Be sure and save the directions downloaded from All Trails before you leave, or you might not make it! Phone-based navigation is notorious for leading people astray on this hike.
As an added bonus, the fall colors on this hike are phenomenal too!
3. Northern State Ghost Town
- Length: 4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Needed: None
Why It’s Creepy: The trail weaves through what was once Washington’s most crowded psychiatric hospital. Many patients were admitted for trivial reasons and underwent inhumane treatments, including heavy sedation and sterilization. Nearly 1,500 unmarked graves at the cemetery add to the unsettling atmosphere.
The buildings are unstable, so don’t enter, but you can walk all around and check things out.
4. Lime Kiln Trail
- Length: 7 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Needed: Discover Pass
Why It’s Creepy: Prepare yourself for a captivating adventure as you hike through a breathtaking mossy forest alongside a picturesque river canyon, tracing the path of abandoned railroads and kilns. It’s the overgrown structures that add a touch of intrigue and a haunting ambiance to this remarkable trail. Trust me, it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
5. Snoqualmie Tunnel
- Length: 5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Needed: None
Why It’s Creepy:
Prepare yourself for a truly eerie experience on this trail. Stretching 2.3 miles in length, the tunnel exudes a bone-chilling aura that will send shivers down your spine.
As you venture inside, make sure to bundle up with warm layers and equip yourself with a reliable headlamp to navigate through the darkness.
To fully immerse yourself in the spooky ambiance, I recommend switching off your headlamp at a certain point within the tunnel.
Take a moment to embrace the complete absence of natural light and revel in the peculiar echoes that surround you. This surreal encounter will leave an indelible mark on your senses, making it an unforgettable adventure.
6. Ape Caves
- Length: 3 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Why It’s Creepy: What’s creepier than crawling through pitch-black lava tubes?
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Ape Cave! Delve into the fascinating world of a volcanic wonder as you begin your journey with an easy exploration of a spacious lava tube. Marvel at the eerie beauty of the natural formations that surround you as you make your way through the dimly lit passages.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Challenge yourself by venturing into a smaller and more rugged lava tube. Navigate through its narrow and winding paths, testing your agility and perseverance as you strive to reach the exit. Feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer obstacles along the way, knowing that the reward of a triumphant victory awaits you.
After completing the exhilarating trek, take a moment to appreciate the serenity of nature as you embark on an easy return hike. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the shady forest, relishing the cool breeze and the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot. Admire the unique and captivating crusty lava formations that dot the landscape, a testament to the raw power of nature.
Experience the full spectrum of sensations, from excitement to tranquility, as you immerse yourself in the captivating journey that is Ape Cave.
Be sure and check the rules for Ape Caves Here before heading out.
7. Fort Worden
- Length: 2.5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Needed: Discover Pass
Why It’s Creepy: Known for its rich military history, this coastal area in Washington holds many secrets. Hikers exploring the region often report hearing phantom footsteps and experiencing an inexplicable feeling of being watched.
If you plan to embark on this adventure, don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp to explore the hidden corners of the bunkers. This will ensure that you don’t miss any intriguing details as you immerse yourself in this captivating historical site.
During the period between 1898 and 1917, this location served as a crucial part of Washington’s coastal defense system you can explore bunkers, gun mounts, and more. Fascinatingly, these historical structures are now open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to dive into the past.
8. Spruce Railroad
- Length: 10 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Why It’s Creepy:
Did you know that in 1937, a woman named Hallie Latham Illingworth tragically lost her life? Her husband was responsible for her murder and disposed of her body in Lake Crescent. After three years, her remains were discovered, and justice was served when her husband was arrested and convicted.
Interestingly, Hallie is now famously referred to as the Lady of the Lake. Local legends suggest that her spirit lingers in the area, with some claiming to hear her pleas for assistance. It’s fascinating to think about the history and folklore surrounding this haunting tale.
From mysterious plane crash sites to haunted hospitals and historic tragedies, Washington State offers an array of spine-tingling hiking experiences. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your bravest friends, and venture into the eerie unknown.
Happy Haunting!
