There is something truly fascinating about discovering a home that has been left for ruins in the middle of nowhere. Immediately stories start to circulate. In the case of the Steele Canyon abandoned homes, some say they were once a psych facility. Others say the homes burned down in a fire. Residents in the Steele Canyon Estates community will tell you that the homes were owned by an old man who died during their construction.

There isn’t much certainty around what exactly happened to these extravagant homes. From the stained glass to  the sun shades, one thing is certain: these homes were built for luxury. The other thing that is certain is these homes were built somewhere around 1992, according to a serial number found on a water heater installed in one of the homes. And the homes were still standing in 1994 according to historic imagery from Google Earth.

Now, the homes have been left for ruins. And worse than ruins. It looks as though a small tornado swept through their insides and gutted them completely to be more precise. The land, owned by the Agricultural Preserve, has since been disrespected with graffiti, broken glass, and beer bottles. Clearly, it has become a maven for illegal activity: yet another reason why you may want to stay away. However, when we explored, we were the only souls there.

The abandoned homes lie in the hills above an affluent area of Jamul, known as the Steele Canyon Estates and directly above the Steele Canyon Golf Course.

Steele Canyon Golf Course from trail

1 of 3 gates you’ll need to pass through

Abandoned chimney close to houses

To get to them, you need to park near the Steele Canyon Golf Course, and walk through the residential neighborhood to a gated entrance. The entrance clearly states “No Trespassing” so enter at your own risk. They sit atop McGinty Mountain, which is also home to abandoned mines and caves. In addition to the one main house and two guest houses, there is also a tennis court and pool.

The homes from a distance

Abandoned tennis court

For the sake of keeping this gem as preserved as it can be and to avoid anyone getting injured from exploring these unstable gems, I will not provide directions to this destination. Instead, you can follow in our footsteps and follow the embedded pictures to find your treasure.

Abandoned laundry machine

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1. Appalachian Trail, Virginia

The Appalachian Trail is plagued by countless stories of paranormal/unexplained occurrences but none other is more creepy than the disappearance of 4-year-old Ottie Cline Powell in November of 1891. Otto was leaving a nearby schoolhouse to gather firewood in the forest when he went missing. Five months later, a hunter discovered his body near Bluff Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. A plaque still marks the spot where Ottie was found. No one knows exactly what happened to the young boy.

Over the years, hikers have claimed seeing a child while camping at the Punchbowl Shelter, located 1.6 miles from where Ottie’s dead body was found. Do you dare take your chances of seeing Ottie by spending the night in this shelter?

2. Batona Trail, New Jersey

New Jersey isn’t just known for the Jersey Shore. It is also known for the New Jersey Devil: part kangaroo, part bat and has the head of a dog. And apparently it also has horns and a forked tail too. Since the 17000s, there have reportedly been thousands of reported sightings of this supernatural creature.

The Jersey Devil is said to lurk the marshes and locals have reported hearing its screams late at night. If you are looking to catch a glimpse of this deformed creature, take a hike along the Batona Trail.

3. Brown Mountains, North Carolina

Native Americans and pioneers have reported seeing glowing ‘spirit’ lights for the past 800 years in the Brown Mountains. In fact, the evidence caused so much controversy, the U.S. Geologic Survey investigated it in 1913 and 1922 — saying the lights were from cars, but couldn’t explain why people reported seeing them long before vehicles were invented.

Folklore says the lights are the spirits of dead warriors who roam the woods. The best spots for catching a glimpse of the Brown Mountain Lights are at nearby overlooks. Lost Cove Cliffs on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Wiseman’s View on Linville Mountain are the best spots reportedly.

4. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave is considered to be one of the most haunted cave systems int he world due to the over 150 paranormal incidents documented here. Many claim the cave is haunted due to the horrific deaths suffered by tuberculosis patients who were once housed here. There are many passages, paths, and tunnels that are not even open to the general public, further adding to the mystery of this place.

Eerie stories tell of unexplained sounds, strange lights, bizarre noises, disembodied footsteps and of course, apparitions and spirits. Other stories include encounters with ghosts told by visitors and tourists who have had no prior experience with caves and with the natural phenomena that accompanies them — which many say debunk these myths. However, park rangers, cave explorers, spelunkers and even geologists share these experiences as well. Is Mammoth Cave haunted? Only a true horror addict would travel to Kentucky to find out.

5. Spruce Railroad Trail, Washington

At first glance, no one would suspect the shimmering clear waters of Lake Crescent to be anything more than a beautiful sight. But its 624 feet pitch black depths hold more secrets than a treasure chest. But cars plunging into the water never to be seen again or the evil spirits conjured by the Klallam tribe aren’t even the scariest tales associated with the Spruce Railroad Trail.

After being brutally murdered by her husband in 1937, Hallie Latham Illingworth is now said to haunt the murky waters of Lake Crescent and the nearby Spruce Railroad Trail. Known as the Lady of the Lake, she is said to wander the 8-mile trail loop.

Even more spooky? The local fisherman who discovered her mummified corpse went missing soon after.

6. Iron Goat Trail, Washington

The Iron Goat Trail is home to one of the worst railroad accidents in US history; an enormous 1910 avalanche on Windy Mountains swept two trains off the track at the Wellington depot and into Tye Creek, killing close to 100 people.

The old railroad grade and its tunnels were abandoned in 1929 for the Cascade Tunnel, and was was left behind has been crafted into the Iron Goat Trail. While the loop presents a gentle grade for hikers, its terrifying history still haunts the trail. Hikers can still delve into the deep black tunnels left behind for ruins. Some say these tunnels are abandoned but others argue they are inhabited by the ghosts of the fallen, searching for a way out.

7. Kiona’ole, O’ahu, Hawaii

The abandoned Kiona’ole Road is said to be haunted by multiple entities including murder victims whose bodies were dumped here, restless sports residing in a tree, and by warriors who survived the fall from the Pali during the famous battle at Nu’uanu and were then pursued and slaughtered by Kamehameha’s men.

A former resident of the area claims the bodies of the warriors were left out in the sun to rot without a proper burial, which is why they now haunt the small, unmarked trail to the right of the road where there are laua’e ferns. When people pick the ferns, many of them report being followed home by shadowy figures. Some have even fallen ill, while others claim they are haunted by terrifying nightmares. Bottom line: don’t take the ferns.

8. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park has long been considered a haunted destination, dating as far back as when the relatives of the pit-dwelling Anasazi roamed the region. Today, Big Bend is still a vast plot of desert and its eerie mountains and strange whispers of the wind around the peaks and canyons are frightening for an environment nearly void of modern sounds.

There are also tales of spirits that still roam the Big Bend’s ghost towns  and mining operations, and an old legend about an Apache maiden who was run down by Anglo or Mexican bandits and chose a drowning death in Rio Grande instead of being violated by her captors. The Canyon de Bruhas, or Witch’s Canyon, has had several reports of moaning sounds coming from the waters.

9. Transept Trail, Arizona

Transept Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park should be a chance to enjoy one of the greatest national parks in the country. However, some have had their experience interrupted and disturbed by a woman in a white dress, dotted with blue flowers. She paces the trail and wails uncontrollably — appropriately named the Wailing Woman. Locals say she is mourning the loss of her husband and child. Her screaming face was reportedly seen in the flames during the September 1, 1932 fire at the Grand Canyon Lodge. If you can work up the courage to make it past her and make it to the North Rim, you’ll encounter some creepy archaeological ruins.

10. Devil’s Den, Pennsylvania

It may come as no surprise that Devil’s Den in Pennsylvania is extremely haunted due to the tragic, violent slaughters that took place during Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his troops from Northern Virginia to south central Pennsylvania, to a small, rural town known as Gettysburg. The bloody battle resulted in the death of 51,000 americans, including one civilian casualty, a woman by the name of Jennie Wade who died when a stray bullet entered her window at the beginning of the battle.

The most active paranormal location in the area is known as “Devil’s Den”. From that infamous day on, photographers have had inordinate amounts of difficulty taking pictures in Devil’s Den as well as in several other areas of notorious fighting. Jennie Wade is also said to wander the house where she died along with the ghost of her father, who was institutionalized after her death and ending up passing away in the “poorhouse”. Several people have reported seeing a rugged man, barefoot with a floppy hat and ragged clothes on the rocks of Devil’s Den. Those who have met the spirt report he always says the same thing while pointing toward Plum Rum: “What your’e looking for is over there.”

Photo Credit: Raymond Bryson, TheTurducken, Joe Giordano, rickpilot_2000, Dave Sizer, Ben Tesch, Noodles and Beef, Mike Fisher, Grand Canyon National Park, Neosnaps

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Shaniko | Wasco County

Shaniko is arguably the best ghost town to visit in the entire state of Oregon. The transcontinental railroad system was responsible of the birth of Shank. In 1897, papers were filed by the railroad company to run a track from the Columbia River at Biggs to a high grassland location above the old stage stop of Cross Hollows. This stage stop became known as Shank, named after August Scherneckau by his Indian friends who could not pronounce his German last name correctly. The town consisted of 30 blocks and even boasted a business district.

When a major fire struck in 1911, most of the business district was lost to the flames. Some of the business district was never rebuilt and many people moved away. When the railroad service stopped in Shaniko in 1942, people continued to live in the town, however, not many cared to stay. Today, Shaniko is still classified as a ghost town although some people still live here. The town features lodging, restaurants, and shops.

Mitchell | Wheeler County

When gold was found in Canyon City, it became necessary to create a route to the Dalles on the Columbia River. The mass amount of gold in Canyon City was shipped to Portland by way of Sherar’s Bridge and over the Barlow Road. The town of Mitchell became a stopping place along the road. By 1884, Mitchell was booming and even boasted a hotel. But Mitchell’s future wasn’t as bright as it seemed. In 1884, numerous heavy thunderstorms in the nearby mountains formed a nine-foot wall of water that destroyed most of the town. In 1904, an even worse flood hit town.

A third flood swept over Mitchell in 1960, yet the town still continues to live and provides supplies for ranches and gas for travelers between Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon. Today, Mitchell features a mechanic shop, general store, and a diner.

Granite | Grant County

Granite came to be thanks to a mule lugging whiskey. When prospector Jack Long got stuck int he mud on July 4, 1862, he never expected to find gold dust mixed in with the mud on his mule’s feet. Immediately he staked a claim there. Within a week, many joined him in mining gold. Shortly after the town of Granite sprang up. Like many other mining towns, Granite was filled with hard-drinking and plenty of controversy. At it’s peak, the town boasted nearly 5,000 residents. Most of these residents were Chinese, who bought the “played-out” mines and continued to search for more gold.

With World War II, the War Labor Act outlawed gold mining and the party at Granite quickly ended. Some men went off to war and others made new homes elsewhere. After the war ended, few came back to Granite. Today Granite is still a popular mountain town. During the summer vacationers and elk hunters come crowd the town. However, the population here is usually just 28.

Hardman | Morrow County

Hardman was known by many names including Dairyville, Raw Dog, and Yellow Dog before Dave Hardman bought the post office in town in 1882. The town then was known as Hardman and flourished until the railroad was built to Heppner in the 1920’s. This bypassed the town of Hardman which led it to become a ghost town. The last businesses closed in 1968 in Hardman, but people still continue to live here to this day.

Now Hardman is home to just about 20 people and a few of the older buildings remain. The Hardman Community Center still stands tall and has an active membership.

Golden | Josephine County

While Golden is considered an Oregon ghost town, it was never really a town. In fact it was more of a mining camp. This mining camp was a prosperous place in the 1850s, when millions of dollars in gold was dug or power-washed out of the nearby Coyote Creek. Though Golden was a mining camp, at one point it boasted as many as 25 buildings, several homes, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a school, and a church.

Today, four buildings are left behind at the Golden State Heritage Site. The Golden church, an old general store, a shed, a structure that once housed a post office and store, and mining tailings still stand for visitors to explore. Golden is in the National Register of Historic Places.

Cascadia | Linn County

The town of Cascadia rose in 1892 on the South Santiam River, just 14 miles east of the current city of Sweet Home. Cascadia originally served as a stage stop on the Santiam Wagon Road, then housed a summer resort known as the Cascadia Mineral Springs. The resort had a hotel established by George Geisendorfer, the first postmaster of the town. Cascadia attracted visitors from afar with its mineral spring water.

Today, the town belongs to the state and is now the site of the 300-acre Cascadia State Park. Here, visitors can not only camp but also hike to Soda Creek Falls and through the Douglas-fir trees along the South Santiam River.

Chitwood | Lincoln County

Chitwood today is home to just a few residents, however at one point this ghost town was booming with inhabitants. Its first settler called Chitwood home during the 1860s. In 1887 a school was built. Life in Chitwood wasn’t easy and this is evident by the slow growth of the settlement. Land had to be cleared before crops could be planted and the only mining done here was from a fine vein of sandstone. When the Corvallis and Eastern railroad were built, Chitwood took a turn for the worst. The road to the coast was rerouted and paved, allowing for easier access to coastal communities. When cars came about, tourists and freight began to use the shorter route to the coast, sealing the fate of Chitwood.

Today, Chitwood features a few original buildings and the Chitwood Bridge, named after Joshua Chitwood. This quaint, residential, pastoral town no longer has any railcars visiting, and is considered a ghost town.

Cornucopia | Baker County

When gold was discovered in the Cornucopia Mountains in the early 1880s, masses of people flocked to Cornucopia. Many prospects were made and several small producers were established. Cornucopia continued to flourish with the arrival of the railroad, electricity, and the pneumatic drill. In 1922, the mines were electrified and a 20-stamp mill was installed. In the early 1900s, 700 men were employed to work the mines in the early. Cornucopia features two general stores, a hotel, a post office, two saloons, and a school. When the mines closed in 1940, much of the town emptied. By 1950, only Chris Schneider and his wife remained.

Today, Cornucopia is considered a ghost town despite a few summer homes in the area. Despite the poor weather that hits this area, many of the original buildings still stand.

Jawbone Flats | Marion County

When miners arrived in this city in 1859 they discovered gold and other minerals such as copper, zinc, and lead. By 1931, a mining camp was set up and mining continued in the area until 1992. In 1989 a group of environmentalists that call themselves “The Friends of Opal Creek” shifted their attention to preserving the 35,000-acre Opal Creek Watershed and were gifted Jawbone Flats in return for their commitment to the area.

Today, the remains of an old lumber mill, a miners store, some old equipment, and remodeled cabins remain in Jawbone Flats. A popular hike also takes you through Jawbone Flats, now part private environmental education center and part outdoor museum. Here you can see rusting vehicles, old mining equipment, and an ore mill. Jawbone is also conveniently located near some of the most beautiful old growth forests in Oregon.

Westfall | Mulhuer County

Westfall was like most other towns in “The Old West”. The town itself, however, was very small during its beginning. Just four houses were built in town. Levi Westfall, for whom the town was named after, set up the first house here in 1870. The town, albeit small, lasted for awhile until the Masher Valley Railroad began construction through Masher Canyon and work started on a depot at Harper in 1909. Most of the town then moved to Harper. During its glory days, Westfall featured a bank, three stores, two hotels, two saloons, two livery barns, a blacksmith shop and homes.

Today, Westfall features a jail, a school, a church, and a few stores. To get there requires extensive travel. Getting into the buildings isn’t an option due to the rattlesnake takeover. Both of these factors could be responsible for the multiple ghost stories that supposedly have taken place in Westfall. Many claim they have seen ghosts in this area at night, although locals say these stories aren’t accurate.

Photo Credit: Sam Churchill, Robert Ashworth, Wikipedia, Bruce Fingerhood, Wikipedia, Joe, Wikipedia, Donaleen, Wikipedia, Richard Bauer

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Goldfield | Pinal County

Goldfield seemed like a promising town when it got its start in 1892 when low grade gold was found in the area. Soon the town sprang up and on October 7, 1893, the first official post office was built in town. For five years the town continued to boom with close to 4,000 residents calling this small town home. But Goldfield’s glory days were quickly brought to an end when the grade of the ore dropped and the gold began to deplete. Today, Goldfield features the remains of old buildings, an underground mine, and the only narrow gauge railroad in operation.

Ruby | Santa Cruz County

Just 50 miles southwest of Tucson is a ghost town known as Ruby, what was once the largest mining camp in south-west Arizona. Spanish conquistadors first visited this area in the late 1500’s. However, it wasn’t until the 19^th century when word spread there was gold in the region. The first strike in the Montana Mine took place in the late 1870’s and by the turn of the century, Ruby became the largest mining camp in the area. Ruby stayed afloat for many years but became a ghost town in 1941 when mining operations ended.

Two Guns | Coconino County

There is nothing that says country quite like the name “Two Guns”. Two guns started as a site of major conflict between the Navajo and Apache in the 19^th century. It went on to become a town to serve travelers when the nearby National Trail Highway, since renamed to Route 66, was created. The town was named after a local resident who called himself “Tow Gun Miller”. Two Guns featured a gas station, overnight accommodations, a café, and a souvenir shop for travelers. After I-40 was created, Two Guns quickly came to an abrupt end but can still be explored today.

Gleeson | Cochise County

Originally named Turquoise, Gleeson was a town of about 500 people who mined copper. Before Gleeson’s inception, Indians mined here for many years for the decorative turquoise. The stones were used for trade and for decorative jewelry and art. The town of Turquoise was moved from the hills closer to the water and reopened again but with the name of Gleeson instead. In 1912 a fire destroyed 28 buildings, but the town was rebuilt. As the mines began to empty in 1940, Gleeson became a ghost town, although a few residents still live here today.

Bumble Bee | Yavapai County

Unlike other Arizona ghost towns, Bumble Bee never had a gold boom and was instead a stage stop on the Prescott-Phoenix stage line. Bumble Bee was originally known as Snyder’s Station, after local rancher W.W. Snyder. When the post office was built, the station officially changed its name to Bumble Bee. The town was put up for sale in 1949 and was bayed in 1960 by East newspaper mogul Charles A. Penn. Penn had grand plans to restore the city and make an official railroad museum, however this never came to fruition. Most of the buildings that stand today are original while others have been constructed for tourism purposes.

Sunnyside | Cochise County

Sunnyside wasn’t filled with brothels, saloons, and other questionable business operations. Instead it was a religious community—although in modern day it may have been referred to as a cult community. Samuel Donnelly first established this community when he moved to a site high in the Huachuca Mountains with his followers. He first started as a street preacher in Tombstone and developed a following of 20-30 followers who followed him to Sunnyside. This socialist-type community pooled their money together and each person worked to the betterment of the entire camp. The nearby Lone Star Mine helped support their lifestyle. When Donnelly died on April 14, 1901, his followers slowly began to abandon Sunnyside Canyon. Today, Sunnyside is an “enter at your own risk” site. Signs to the town are almost nonexistent, the road to get here is bad, and according to the Border Patrol, the area is known for illegals and drug traffickers.

Tombstone | Cochise County

Tombstone was “The Town Too Tough to Die” and had some of the most lawless mining camps in the American West. Prospector Ed Schieffelin first suspected fortune could be found in the Huachuca Mountains, but a soldier warned him that the area was controlled by the Apaches. This didn’t stop Schieffelin, who took samples of pure silver from that area began seeking out help to claim the land. Tombstone was born shortly after, with it’s first post office opening in December 1878. Flooding caused the demise of Tombstone, but the town now lives on for tourism. Historic buildings have been repaired and restored. The infamous Allen Street, once filled with bars, casinos, and bordellos, has also been restored.

Bellemont | Coconino County

Bellemont recently was revived as a “Biker Friendly Town”. It now is home to the Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson dealership and the Route 66 Roadhouse Bar & Grill where bikers are welcomed with open arms. Bellemont originally was a stop along the Atlantic & Pacific Railraod in 1882. Named after Belle Smith, the daughter of the superintendent of the railroad, Bellemont became a lumbering center with its own sawmill. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the government built the Navajo Army Depot at Bellemont, housing ammunition and explosives. Today, numerous buildings remain in Bellemont, including the old Pine Breeze Inn.

Chloride | Mohave County

Chloride is the oldest continuously inhabited ghost town in Arizona. In fact, today it is home to about 300 residents. The quaint mining town attracts thousands of visitors each year by offering an experience of the Old West. This mining town got its start in the 1940s when prospectors began to canvas the area for sign of minerals. In the early 1860s they came upon several rich silver veins on a site later called “Silver Hill”. The mining camp of Chloride was founded around 1863, but the Hualapai Indians were not pleased and put up a fight. In the 1870s a treaty was signed by the Indians to allow for extensive mining in the area. Chloride reached its end when a train station near Chloride closed in 1935. The cost of materials and labor was too expensive and the mines closed. Within a short period of time Chloride became a ghost town.

Fairbank | Cochise County

Fairbank came into existence thanks to another ghost town just 10 miles away known as Tombstone (honorable mention above). It came into existence in 1882 serving as a railroad station. Fairbank was an important stop for Tombstone’s supplies and therefor was a bustling community well into the twentieth century. The town was on the smaller side with about 100 residents, a Wells Fargo, a meat market, a post office, a saloon, a mill, and a restaurant. Fairbank saw its end when the drought ruined the farmers, who traded there and the Tombstone mines closed in 1887. Fairbank had its share of controversy, including a fatal attempted gold robbery. In February 1900, an attempted train robbery that involved one of Arizona’s most respectable lawman, Jeff Davis Milton, ended in a shoot-out where he killed one person. Today Fairbank ghost town is owned by the Bureau of Land Management regional headquarters.

Photo Credit: Richard Topalovich, Wikipedia, Bureau of Land Management, Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Terry Ballard, Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Harry Pherson, Kevin Cole, John Fowler,

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Scaponia Park | Vernonia

This tale involves a horse thief and his dog. The man was a drifter, who made his living stealing horses with his small dog as his companion. It didn’t take long for locals to realize how the man was making his living. A lynch mob was formed and killed the horse thief and his dog, burying their remains on the banks of the river under an oak tree. On certain nights, the shadowy figure of a man and his dog can be seen wandering along the banks of the Nehalem River. Many campers have claimed to see the duo, perhaps looking for a horse to steal. Or maybe just to seek revenge.

Witches Castle | Forest Park, Portland

It is every child’s dream to see a witch. It is every adult’s fear of running into one. The hike to Witch’s Castle takes you through the seemingly peaceful hills and valleys of the Pacific Northwest, until you reach a creepy stone house in the middle of the forest. Legend has it that back in 1850, Danford Balch, Mortimer Stump, and Stump’s family took up residence in this house. Danford fell in love with Stump’s 15-year-old daughter Anna who eventually ran off to Vancouver to elope against Stump’s wishes. Love didn’t last long with claims that Stump’s wife “bewitched” Balch. Balch ended up shooting Mortimer Stump in the head and subsequently was hanged for his actions. The “witch” continued to live in their home, long after both their deaths. Unexplained paranormal activity at the Witch’s House is now blamed on the ghosts of Danford, Mortimer, Anna, and the witch. Hike here if you dare.

Lithia Park | Ashland

This park is anything but serene. In fact, the 93-acre Lithia Park is said to be haunted by multiple ghosts. One of these ghosts is a young girl who was brutally raped and murdered near the duck pond in 1875. Since the murder, people have witnessed a blue mist forming above the pond at night. Some have claimed this mist has followed them through the park, past the trees and over large rocks. Another ghost that haunts Lithia Park is a disfigured train robber. It is said the man retreated to the park after robbing a train. However, a group of vigilantes took revenge into their own hands and drowned the thief. Today, people say they see the apparition of the disfigured man roaming through the park.

Pendleton Underground | Pendleton

Pendleton Underground was booming with business in the early 1900s. It is located in the downtown business district and many of the tunnels have since been filled, but some are still available for exploring. Rooms were used by Chinese workers, prohibitionists, and opium addicts. One story claims that a pair of train robbers who used the tunnels to store their ill-gotten goods died in the dark passages under an old house during a gun battle It is said the ghosts from the robbers still haunt this area and can sometimes be heard screaming “It’s my gold! Mine!” In an old living quarters for Chinese immigrants, a ghost is said to haunt this room and sit’s in the far left corner.

Tillamook Head | Ecola State Park

The 6.3-mile roundtrip hike along the Tillamook Head Trail is beautiful on warm, sunny days. But when the fogs creeps in, the forest changes from terrific to terrifying. The World War II-era bunkers add an additional element of fear. But nothing is creepier than the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, a decommissioned lighthouse nicknamed “Terrible Tilly” due to the horrendous weather conditions that plagued it for nearly 150 years. The old lighthouse has been used on and off as a columbarium—a place where cremeated remains are stored.

Multnomah Falls | Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the United States. The natural wonder attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors each year, ranking it as Oregon’s number one visited natural attraction. But Multnomah Falls has a well kept secret, a suicide from the top of the falls. It has been told that an old Native American maiden leapt to her death to save her village from sickness. Some have claimed to feel her presence. Others say they’ve seen her face appear within the white water. She is commonly seen in winter when she returns to see the place where she sacrificed her life for her people.

Shanghai Tunnels | Portland’s Chinatown

Portland’s Chinatown is home to one of the most mysterious spots in the country: the old Shanghai Tunnels. Beneath the streets of Old Town Chinatown in Portland, these dark catacombs are rumored to have been used for smuggling alcohol during the prohibition era and slave trade.. There are stories of people encountering strange lights and voices while walking through these dark tunnels. One of the most famous ghosts in these tunnels stalks the basement of the Lotus Cafe and Cardroom, attached to the Shanghai tunnels.

North Rim Trail | Tyson Creek State Park

The North Rim Trail may seem like your typical walk in the park but it is much more than that. Right before a major storm, it has been said you will hear the sound of horses in harness and smell fresh cut limber. The fresh cut limber may seem normal, especially for Oregon, however the last time the area was logged was in the late 1800’s. But logging can’t be done without manpower. It is also said that down by the creek, the sound of men getting ready for a long day of work can be heard.

Fanmo Creek Trail | Tigard

It all happened one day as an investigator was walking along the trail, Digital Voice Recorder in hand. He got an EVP right where the path began. The EVP yelled “Shut Up!” A week later he tried walking the same path again, and got to the same point on the trail where he claims he felt a fist punching him in the stomach. Only no one was around to punch him. EVPs of growls have also reportedly been recorded on that same part of the trail.

Oregon Caves | Siskiyou Mountains

Oregon Caves is celebrated as a haunted destination. In fact, rangers at Oregon Caves National Monument get into the Halloween spirit each year by offering haunted candlelight tours of the park’s signature formations. Hikers are encouraged to wear costumes and share the caves with the bats and spiders who dwell here. The Caves Chateau is also said to be haunted with people reporting hearing human footsteps above their rooms. The only problem is they were on the top floor. Others report seeing bloody towels and slime-filled bathtubs. If you are visiting the Oregon Caves, it may be best to find a different hotel.

Photo Credit: Mike Rohrig, Szapucki, Bex Walton, Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Vlad Butsky, U.S Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters, Sam Beebe, Susan Rose, Doug Geisier

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California has long been a land of big dreams, however often times these dreams crumbled and turned to ruins, literally. There are hundreds of these broken dreams, scattered across all of California that would take months of pure devotion to visit but luckily, we’ve broken it down to 6 of the scariest ghost towns to check off on your bucket list.

Bodie | Mono County

Each year, many amateur and professional ghost hunters make their way to the historic ghost town of Bodie, California in hopes of catching a glimpse of the paranormal. The historic State Park is said to remain the home to several spiritual beings, despite the fact that no one actually lives here and the town is completely abandoned.

In the year of 1859, the popular W.S. Bodey paid a visit to this area and discovered gold. News spread quickly, and people flocked to the area for their chance of getting rich. Eventually the town of “Bodey” was formed. Since, the name has changed to “Bodie”. The once small town of several hundred people exploded to approximately 12,000 by the year of 1877. The city also grew with nearly eight hundred separate buildings. With greed, passion and overall lust running rampant in this upcoming town, the crime rate surged and it was not unusual for a fight to break out, or even a murder to take place.

Now, Bodie has an extensive history of hauntings and paranormal sightings that spook even the most seasoned ghost hunters. The most popular story is that of a man named Jim Cain, whose home is said to be highly paranormal. Mr. Cain hired a servant to care for his home, until rumors began to surface that she was his mistress. The disgraced woman was never able to find work after and took her own life. It is said her spirit still frequents the home of Mr. Cain.

It is also rumored that Bodie was cursed by a community of spirits to protect what is left of the town. If someone attempts to remove anything from the town, they are supposedly doomed to misfortune until they return that which they have taken. It is not unusual for the park officials to receive mail which returns even the smallest items people have stolen from the town. Some even include lengthy apology letters to both the physical and spiritual beings that reside in this ghost town.

Calico | San Bernardino

Three miles off a desolate stretch of Interstate-15, midway between Barstow and Yermo, lies the historic and restored ghost town of Calico, California.

In 1875, roving prospectors came across silver on the south slope of the Calico Mountains. However, it wasn’t until more than five years later that additional discoveries worth $400 to $500 per ton brought about a small rush. In the spring of 1881, came the discovery of the Silver King, Calico’s richest mine, and less than a year later the new settlement supported several businesses on a commercial street. But Calico’s demise was just as quick as its rise. When the price of silver dropped from $1.31 an ounce to 53 cents during the mid 1890’s, Calico became a ghost town. The narrow-gauge Calico railroad was dismantled just after the turn of the century and the town was officially kaput in 1907 with the end of borax mining in the district.

Calico isn’t all silver and riches. The old town is said to be haunted by a number of lingering spirits. One of the most often sighted spirits is that of Lucy Bell King Lane, a woman who spent close to seventy years in Calico. Although Lucy died close to five decades ago, she is evidentially still fond of her old home as she is frequently sighted there. When she is spotted, she is described as wearing a long black dress, most likely the lace she was buried in.

Others say they have seen phantom school teachers and another small child who has been known to grab people’s legs or pinch their ankles. Some visitors have also reported seeing a floating red light from inside the school.

Cold spots are also reported throughout the Calico mines, and feelings of “one’s hair standing up” in various places. Large orbs have also been photographed inside mines.

Panamint City | Inyo County

This large, well-preserved ghost town was also the scene of a natural disaster that killed many of the town’s residents. Founded in 1873 as a silver-mining town, its population soon grew to several thousand. The city had a mile-long main street, mills, stores, a red-light district, a post office, and even a cemetery at its peak. Panamint City was known as a “bad and wicked” town and because of its lawless reputation, Wells Fargo refused to open an office there. But in 1876, that all changed. A flash flood destroyed most of the town, killing many of the residents and turning Panamint City into a ghost town. A single dirt road to the city existed until 1983, when yet another flash flood washed the canyon down to the bedrock and made road replacement impossible. With no road out, the city was completely abandoned.

What’s left of the city includes:

• Native American pictographs predating the arrival of the miners
• Ruins of the original 19^th century stone cabins
• Newer cabins that have been maintained by backpackers
• A number of abandoned vehicles.

Today, Panamint City is still accessible but only by strenuous backpacking, and only a handful of people reach the city each year. The 5-mile hike is a tough one with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain and rock scrambling. The hike begins at Chris Wicht’s Camp, which is located six miles northeast of the ghost town of Ballarat.

The shells of houses and business that were occupied 139 years ago are haunting. A few wooden structures on the ledge above the original town site date back to the 1920s and 1930s, while the cabin which has been dubbed the “Panamint Hilton,” only dates back to the 1970s. Other equipment and structures are from as recent as the 1980s. Trek to Panamint City to explore the ruins and mines left behind, if you dare.

Vallecito | San Diego County

The name “Vallecito” means “Little Valley,” which dates back to when the Spaniards explored this vast land. The valley was a welcome relief to travelers after crossing the desert, which was known as the “Journey of Death.” Originally a stage stop between the Colorado River and San Diego, this town later became a stage stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage route. The town was built in 1852 and in 1934 the station was reconstructed to give visitors an idea of what the town was like in the pioneer days.

Like many places in the Old West, the station was witness to a number of violent crimes: including robberies and murders. It is from this darker side, that the station allegedly became haunted by the spirits of those who had met their death there.

One of the most famous ghost tales is the specter of the White Horse of Vallecito that allegedly began with a stage robbery long ago. When the stage was traveling on its way to Vallecito Station, four men on horseback held it up just before it reached Carrizo Wash. With guns pointed at the stage, the driver gave up a box containing $65,000 and the bandits took off immediately.

However, as they fled the scene, the stage driver fired a single shot, hitting one of the bandits. Once the rest of the robbers were gone he carefully approached the man he had shot and was to his surprise, found two dead bandits. It is believed the gang leader had killed one of his own men in order to keep a greater percentage of the loot. The two remaining bandits rode towards Vallecito Station, stopping somewhere between to bury their loot. When they arrived at the stage station, they got into an argument, both men shooting each other. The scared white horse ran through the door and out into the nearby hills.

Today it is said that the ghost of the White Horse continues to roam the hills near where the bandits buried their loot. It is said to appear around midnight before galloping through the sand and disappearing again. In the Carrizo Wash area there is supposedly a phantom stagecoach that has been seen numerous times over the past century.

Vallecito Stage Station is open for viewing Labor day weekend through the last week in May. It is closed during summer months.

White Mountain City | Inyo County

White Mountain City may have only been populated for a short amount of time, yet there are plenty of rock foundations of homes, corrals, and rock wall to leave behind its memory. White Mountain City was founded in the early 1860’s and a district formed in a deep bowl far from civilization. The area is most notorious for a scandal that occurred in which a successful candidate in the gubernatorial runoff of the state of California “padded” the elections by grossly exaggerating the number of people who voted for him from White Mountain City. He thought since White Mountain City was so remote, no one would check in on the votes. It was later found he used a list of passengers from a steamship for the basis of White Mountain City voters.

White Mountain City, however, wasn’t as booming as some other California ghost towns once were. Only a handful of settlers of the Deep Springs Valley area were found to be living there, and these settlers were primarily occupied in defending themselves from Indian attacks aside from seeking out a meager living along the banks of Wyman Creek. Mining on a small scale continued throughout the 1870s, then continued occasionally thereafter. In 1911, a unique college was built nearby, which today continues the tradition of its founder in that only the most gifted academic students may attend.

The site of White Mountain City is on a dirt road east of CA-168, northwest of Deep Springs near the Nevada border. Today White Mountain City is nothing but ruins left behind. It is readily available for exploring, if you dare venture into this desolate stretch of ruins.

Mentryville | Los Angeles County

Mentryville was an oil drilling town in the Santa Susana Mountains in Los Angeles County, abandoned by almost all residents during the mid 1930s. By 1962, Mentryville had become a ghost town, with only a caretaker family living in Charles Alexander Mentry’s old 13-room house left behind.

Pico Number 4, a short distance up the canyon from Mentryville was the first commercially successful oil strike in California and the longest running on record, before being capped in 1990. The Pico Canyon oil field proved to be the richest in the state’s history at that time and Mentryville became a boomtown from 1878 to 1900. At its height, Mentryville had 74 oil wells and produced 100,000 barrels of oil a year.

The town was named after the superintendent who was in charge of the oil field, Mentry. Mentry lived in the town until his death in 1900 and built the huge 13-room mansion that still stands there today.

This town was purer than other ghost towns, in fact the town lacked a bar. Mentry had reportedly “imbued the town with his puritanism as well as his name,” banning drinking and the use of foul language. Mentryville was eventually abandoned, partially because the amount of oil slowed over time and partially because of changes to the oil industry.

In 1995, Chevron donated the Mentryville site and the surrounding 800 acres in Pico Canyon to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. A group called the Friends of Mentryville was organized to restore the buildings and open the ghost town to docent-led tours. The site is now registered as California Historical Landmark #516-2.

Mentryville still has a creep factor, despite being preserved. In fact, the television series “The X-Files” and “Murder, She Wrote” have been filmed here. Some claim to have seen pentagrams and a bloody towel in one of the abandoned house. Others dispute these claims. The only way to know for sure is to take a trip to Mentryville yourself.

Photo Credit: Ian Burt, Nick, Randy Heinitz, Wikipedia, The Greater Southwestern Exploration, Kevin Stanchfield

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1. Murphy Ranch, Pacific Palisades

Murphy Ranch has more scary stories surrounding it than most hikes in the Los Angeles area. This self-sufficient ranch hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains was built by Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s to serve as a hold out for fans of the Third Reich waiting for America to fall to the Nazis. Instead the ranch was closed by U.S. authorities in 1941 and left for ruins. The abandoned buildings have been transformed into a playground for graffiti artists who have taken over the nearby structures and have plastered the ruins with paint. Today the grounds of Murphy Ranch are uninhabited, covered in graffiti, and open to hikers.

2. Griffith Park, Los Angeles

A 150-year-old curse, werecreatures, a haunted picnic table, and the most famous suicide in Hollywood history all plague this popular hiking destination. The most well known legend that surround Griffith Park is the curse Dona Petronilla placed on the land in 1863. As CreepyLA describes it, “When her uncle, wealthy land baron Don Antonio Feliz, had not bequeathed the property to her, the seventeen-year-old ‘shouted out vexatiously that the cattle and fields would become diseased and die; and that no one will ever profit from this land.’ As for the land’s new owner, and the man who helped with the acquisition, Peronilla swore, ‘the one shall die in an untimely death and the other in blood and violence.’

Since her declaration, the land has ben plagued by disastrous wildfires, droughts, and other disasters. Aside from natural disasters, distraught actress Peg Entwistle lept to her death from the H in the Hollywood sign in 1932. Visitors of Griffith Park have also reported seeing the ghost of Dona Petronilla, dressed in white, sometimes riding a horse. The ghost of Griffith J. Griffith has also been spotted, also on horseback, checking on the upkeepof the land. If ghosts and curses don’t deter you, Griffith Park is the perfect place to get your thrills this Halloween.

3. Chilnualna Falls Trail, Yosemite

Yosemite is filled with beautiful sights, and Chilnualna Falls is no different. What is different about this trail is the tragic history. This 8.4-mile hike will take you to Grouse Lake where you may hear the whimpering of a boy who drowned in the lake, according to Native American folklore. Legend is that those who heed his calls will also suffer the same fate. The Miwok tribe also believes Yosemite’s waterfalls are haunted by Po-ho-no, an evil wind that encourages hikers to their edges and pushes them to plunge to their deaths. Remember while you are hiking in Yosemite not to get too distracted by the waterfalls plunging below.

4. Gates of Hell, Antioch

Who knew one road in the middle of nowhere could house so much paranormal energy? Empire Mine Road in Antioch not only has one spooky hike, but a haunted slaughterhouse and a Gravity Hill. The hike on Empire Mine Road past the Gates of Hello is blocked with chains so you can’t drive, however you can traverse the hilly terrain: if you dare. This area was supposedly the site of Native American battles and other says there was an old insane asylum at the end of the road that has since been torn down. So much death and violence occurred at the asylum that it opened a portal into Hell. The pavement is front of the cement barriers that block vehicle entry to the Gates to Hell is charred – further cementing the creepy factor. While none of these incidences have been actually documented, On October 31, 2005, Contra Costa Times reporter Sara Krupp described an incident in 1995 where a 22-year-old man stumbled down Empire Mine Road just as the morning commute began. He was soaked in blood and dirt from an ambush planned by his angry ex-girlfriend. She had slit his throat, stabbed him in the back and broke his jaw. Empire Mine Road has since been closed to all vehicle traffic.

5. Ghost Mountain, Anza Borrego

Many places have the word ghost in them without being truly haunted. Ghost Mountain in Anza Borrego is a different story. Marshal South, a survivalist who built a cabin on top of this mountain in the San Diego desert lived her for awhile before the members left one by one, leaving South to survive alone in the harsh terrain. Remnants of his cabin still exist on top of the mountain which can be reached by a short but steep hike through exposed desert terrain.

Aside from Marshal South, this area is also said to be plagued by ancient Cahuilla ghosts.

Still not convinced Ghost Mountain is truly haunted? One man spent the night at Ghost Mountain and experienced a number of strange occurrences including seeing an Indian ghost apparition and hearing a toy drum. The problem: he was camping alone in the desert.

6. Elfin Forest, Escondido

Elfin Forest is a popular hiking trail in San Diego County. It is also the subject of countless ghost stories and is rumored to be one of the most haunted hiking trails in all of San Diego. The most popular story about Elfin Forest is about the white witch, who was originally a normal wife whose husband and son were murdered. Rumor has it she is still searching for her family, or possibly the person who killed them. People driving through along the dark, wooded road at night have reported seeing her floating in the woods. Other hikers have reported being touched on their shoulders.

Aside from the white witch, there are also stories of the Northern Diegueno Indians who hiked these grounds long ago. Their mortars, mutates, pictographs, and petroglyphs are evidence that they once resided in this land, however through word of mouth and countless stories, their ghosts still reside here.

Locals will also tell the tale of a set of stone circles planted in the forest that allow you to experience time lapses if you pass through them. Whether these stones really exist remains to be seen as no photographic evidence has been presented. Or you can venture to Elfin Forest yourself to see.

7. Goat Canyon Trestle, Ocotillo

The Goat Canyon Trestle is hidden in the Carrizo Gorge Wilderness in Anza Borrego and for good reason. Not only is it illegal to get to the Goat Canyon Trestle, it is also highly dangerous and abandoned. Yet this doesn’t stop avid adventurists from taking the 11-mile roundtrip hike to get the trestle – passing through multiple mines and along creaking trestles. At the time the Carrizo Gorge track was built it was called the “impossible railroad” due to the fact it required the construction of 17 tunnels and numerous trestles to negotiate the foreboding terrain. But nonetheless the tracks were completed in 1919. While Goat Canyon Trestle doesn’t have folklore surrounding it, from my own personal experience I can account for some strange/creepy incidences. There were several times I heard the sound of a train crossing the tracks and the loud sound of a train whistle in close proximity. However, trains no longer cross these tracks.

8. Thompson Creek Trail, Claremont

Thompson Creek Trail in Claremont is said to be highly haunted by multiple accounts even though it is nestled in a residential neighborhood. Visitors have seen shadowy figures following them and heard the crackling of branches, footsteps, and scratching noises. Others recount seeing the clouds above them form shapes of skulls. Some witnesses have seen bizarre visions that include levitating boulders, invisible walls that block the way and violent images. The crackling noises from the power lines overhead don’t help make this location any less creepy, adding a deeper eeriness to this location.

9. Brand Park, Glendale

At first glance, Brand Park and Library is nothing more than a gorgeous sight. Past the line of palms that leads from the archway past a large fountain now used as a giant planter for the library, this mini-palace of Indo-Saracenic Revival design has a much darker presence looming behind the house. Brand Park was once the Brand’s Family estate, complete with a mansion and family cemetery. Just as with most great horror movies, the cemetery holds the biggest spooks at Brand Park, which is accessible via a trail behind the house. Follow the trail to get to Mr. Brand’s large pyramid tomb where occult activity  is said to be common. Dare to venture further up in the hills and you’ll find what looks to be a 3-foot tall stone watch tower.

Strange occurrences at the cemetery started back in 1953, where the dusty graveyard off the mountain path was stalked by grave robbers. The skull of William P. Thompson was stolen and his remained were scattered among the tall grass. Three years later, the Glendale director of Parks and Forestry found another grave had been desecrated.

Grave robbing aside there are long-standing reports of a ghost inside the Brand Library – Leslie Brand himself to be exact. Employees and visitors claim to see him walking up the stairs hearing a voice say “Joe,” or perhaps it is “Go.”

10. DeForest Nature Trail, Long Beach

DeForest Nature Trail has been the subject to a plethora of paranormal tales, from black figures floating, sounds of children laughing, cold spots, and screams heard in the distance. Others say they’ve heard rapid footsteps and spots where there are no sounds then a sudden whoosh of extremely cold air. Whispering of more than one voice late a night have also been reported. The strangest and coldest area reported is near the end of the trail where the brush gets thick.

According to The Shadow Lands it is not wise to stay on the nature trail once the sun sets. Aside from dark shadow figures, gangs are also said to convene here. Is this trail really haunted or are the sounds and sightings simply coming from one of the homeless encampments which occupy the river area? Only a trip to DeForest Nature Trail will tell, with plenty of people in your hiking party.

Photo Credit: Clinton Steeds, nijaba, Al Pavangkanan, jpernity

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Please note: THIS ROAD IS NOW CLOSED. It is said that you can still walk down this road, however it is not accessible to vehicle traffic and has been barricaded (as you can see in the picture above). As of July 2015, when I last visited, I could not drive down this road, but you can legally hike or bike it. Twelve years ago, however, this road was very much accessible and I can still remember it all like it was yesterday.

Gates Of Hell

Empire Mine Road has long been the subject of ghost stories. In fact, in 2005, Antioch city leaders closed and barricaded the road that legend says leads to the “Gates of Hell”. People have crafted a tale of an old insane asylum at the end of a road that has since been torn down. Legend has it that due to the large amount of death and violence at the asylum, it has now opened a portal into Hell. The pavement in front of the cement barriers is charred, which some think further displays proof of a portal to the underworld. Hikers claim an old, abandoned Insane Asylum lies at the end of this hike, and that eventually you come to another gate behind the old decrepit structure of a hospital. Unfortunately, I wasn’t brave enough then or now to check this out for certain to see if this so-called structure actually exists. Another writer says that the “Gates of Hell” were intended to be a planned, upscale, gated community in the 1950’s but the plans crumbled (literally).

Gates of Hell entrance

It has been said that this site is private property and that trespassers will be prosecuted so I would not recommend trying to hike here.

Gates Of Hell

Empire Mine Road Slaughterhouse

The second tale is the old slaughterhouse. The slaughterhouse is said to be haunted by an old man who walks the grounds. People report hearing strange noises coming from the barns, such as chains clanking and footsteps. When i visited the abandoned slaughterhouse I heard a small glimpse of this. The old slaughterhouse definitely emitted some strange sounds, most of which I attributed to its old foundation. The slaughterhouse is covered in graffiti, with vulgar phrases spray painted across the walls. When I visited in 2003, I also witnessed a noose hanging from one of the rafters — further cementing the creepy factor. The overall vibe I got from the slaughterhouse was complete terror.

Abandoned slaughterhouse on Empire Mine Road

Gravity Hill

Past the slaughterhouse is a rumored Gravity Hill. Like many other Gravity Hill tales, there is a story about a bus running off the road into a creek that killed many children. If you go here and put your car in neutral around the turn, it is said you get pushed up the hill by the dead children. I attempted to put my car into neutral at this spot but sadly, no children moved my vehicle. Not even the wind budged my car. It is said if you put flour your back windshield that the fingerprints of the children will appear. I did not attempt this and was unable to try it when I revisited in 2015 due to the road closure.

While none of these events have been actually documented, there has been plenty of crime on Empire Mine Road which ultimately caused the city of Antioch to shut it down. The Contra Costa Times reported an incident in 1995 where a 22-year-old man stumbled from Empire Mine Road just as the morning commute began. He was drenched in his own blood and dirt from an ambush planned by an angry ex-girlfriend. His throat had been slit, his back stabbed, and jaw broken.

According to the same article, written by Sarah Krupp, more than a dozen of rancher Jack Roddy’s cattle were killed, one with an arrow. This and 10 arson-induced fires urged city leaders to discuss closing the road.

Along Empire Mine Road

Bottom Line: Empire Mine Road is highly paranormal due to my own experiences and others can attest to it. I would not recommend visiting this site alone or at night. Always exercise caution and obey the laws and signs posted.

Address: Empire Mine Road, Antioch, CA

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