Introduction
Portland, Oregon, is often celebrated for its lush forests, eclectic culture, and quirky charm—but beneath the surface lies a darker side that comes alive when the sun goes down. Known for haunted legends, eerie cemeteries, and shadowy mountain roads, Portland has long attracted ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. Local ghost tours and chilling tales from Pittock Mansion to abandoned tunnels have cemented Portland’s reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity. For those who crave a good scare, exploring haunted roads and spooky night drives around Portland adds a thrilling layer of adventure to your journey.
Spooky Drive List
1. The Shanghai Tunnels – Old Town
While not a traditional road, Portland’s infamous Shanghai Tunnels beneath Old Town are tied to chilling stories of abductions, restless spirits, and unexplained noises. Driving through Old Town at night, particularly along NW Couch St. and NW Davis St., brings you eerily close to this haunted network. Park nearby and you’ll feel the lingering energy of Portland’s darker past.
2. Master Stick Shift with Manual Driving Academy
Before venturing into Portland’s haunted hills or winding backroads, confidence behind the wheel is essential. Manual Driving Academy in Portland offers one-on-one lessons that help drivers master manual transmission—perfect for navigating steep, rural, and dimly lit roads that can feel especially intimidating at night. Gift certificates are available and never expire, making it a great way to prepare for both spooky drives and everyday stick-shift adventures.
3. Lizard People Cave – Kelly Butte
Just a 15-minute drive southeast of downtown Portland lies Kelly Butte, home to an old bunker and a legend involving lizard-like humanoid creatures that supposedly haunt the area. Driving the narrow roads leading up SE 103rd Ave toward Kelly Butte Nature Park at night delivers an unsettling experience—especially with fog rolling in from the forest.
4. Lone Fir Cemetery – SE Stark Street
Located at 649 SE 26th Ave, Lone Fir Cemetery is one of Portland’s oldest resting grounds, dating back to 1855. Known for eerie sightings of shadowy figures and unexplained whispers, the cemetery sits right off Stark Street, a drive that becomes particularly chilling at dusk. Even just passing by the wrought-iron gates can make your headlights feel like they’re illuminating more than just the road.
5. Highway 26 to Mount Hood
If you’re ready for an extended adventure, head east from Portland along Highway 26 toward Mount Hood. The scenic mountain drive, about 60 miles away, becomes a haunting experience after dark. Tales of ghostly hitchhikers and unexplained lights in the forest add a supernatural element to an otherwise peaceful route.
6. Sauvie Island Backroads
A quick 20-minute drive from downtown Portland, Sauvie Island is a mix of farmland, wetlands, and isolated backroads. At night, the area feels otherworldly, with reports of ghostly apparitions and mysterious orbs of light. The one-lane country roads, including Gillihan Rd. and Reeder Rd., are perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a spooky yet scenic loop.
Conclusion
From historic cemeteries and eerie tunnels to remote island backroads and mountain highways, Portland offers no shortage of haunted drives for adventurous spirits. Whether you’re seeking a quick local scare or a longer, more remote thrill, the city’s spooky routes promise unforgettable chills. And if you want to feel confident tackling dark winding roads or rural adventures, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy—where you’ll gain the skills to handle any drive, haunted or not. So gather your friends, grab your keys, and explore Portland’s haunted side tonight.
