One Of Oregon's Most Haunted Hotels Has Been Spooking Guests For Years

Haunted hotels around the world have long been the subject of intrigue for paranormal reality shows like "Ghost Hunters" and "The Osbournes Want to Believe." They are popular for casual fans of all things spooky as well. Many of these establishments also double as historic landmarks, making them worth a visit even for paranormal skeptics. A prime example of this is Portland, Oregon's McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Hotel, sometimes more simply called the White Eagle.

Descendants of Polish immigrants opened the White Eagle in 1905 and its history is well intertwined with Portland's rise as a shipping port. Sailors frequented the saloon and could stay overnight too. Rumors say that some would hire female companions and invite them back to their rooms, while others say that the White Eagle had a full-fledged brothel on the second floor. Allegedly, sailors would also kidnap saloon customers when their ships needed more workers. No kidnapping incidents like this are have been confirmed throughout the saloon's history, but they did occur in Portland. However, these happenings are only some of what potentially haunts McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Hotel.

Freezers, doors, and windows at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Hotel open and close seemingly on their own. People have seen a ghost-like figure of a man walking to the basement or say they've felt cold hands touch them while inside the building. These reported paranormal activities seem to relate to deaths on the property. One tale goes that someone once killed a brothel worker (if there even was a brothel) named Rose at the White Eagle. Of course, stories about the who and the why behind it are not always in agreement. Sam, a longtime White Eagle resident and worker, died onsite as well. Visitors and regulars believe that both spirits continue to make themselves known. Sounds of a woman crying are attributed to Rose while Sam apparently likes to clog toilets after the saloon has closed for the day.

The White Eagle's present-day owners have embraced the spooky reputation. They even claim it to be the "most haunted building in Portland." On Fridays you can take the White Eagle Ghost Tour to learn "the tales of some of our more permanent residents," as the McMenamins website puts it. Book this eerie, enriching type of experience online ahead of your visit.

The full name for this historic establishment is McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Rock & Roll Hotel because it also features a live music venue. Bands perform every night, which is great for saloon patrons, but you might want some earplugs if you're a hotel guest trying to sleep. Another thing to note about staying here is that there are only 11 hotel rooms and one dorm-style bathroom. Despite the shared bathroom and noise from the downstairs music, McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Hotel has a four-star rating on Trip Advisor. Past guests have enjoyed each rooms' historic decor, overall quirky and fun atmosphere, and of course, the potential for ghost activity. Rooms are around $110 per night.

Another reason why Portlanders and tourists like McMenamins White Eagle Saloon and Hotel is its location. It is just across the Willamette River from Portland's lovely Old Town and Union Station. Portland is a city known for having some of the best coffee in America and the neighborhood around White Eagle is no exception. Head to Kalesa Coffee or Bernstein's Bagels for see for yourself.