Discover the Ghostly Charm of 3 Haunted Hotels in Eastern Oregon
Oregon is a large state that offers more than the Pacific coastline, waterfalls and rainy days. The eastern half of the state is home to magnificent mountains, rich indigenous and pioneer history and a plethora of unique lodging choices for an assortment of tastes and budgets. This was my first trip to the state and I was blown away by the beauty of my road trip. As a world traveler, I haven't encountered anything like the scenic and historic moments this trip provided.
Historic hotelsIf you like lodging that offers a mix of dining and spirits, here are three destinations to consider this autumn in Eastern Oregon. Each of these destinations has a haunting past.
Looking for more eerie engagements?
The Thermal Pub and Eatery grill and bar on the first floor offers regular spirits if you want something tangible to wet your palate. I opted not to have any adult beverages, so my experiences during my overnight stay were not skewed.
The first floor also features an old movie theater that features classic films nightly.
No visit is complete without soaking in one of the five lakeside soaking pools. It's a wonderful way to start or end the day relaxing and has a wonderful view of the sunset in the evening. Adjacent to the soaking pools are fire pits which give a romantic glow to the surroundings. The lake itself has a constant flow of steam rising from the surface (which adds to the spooky factor) and has warning signs not to enter. In fact, guests of the property are required to sign a liability waiver upon check-in to not go in the water of the lake. (No such waiver is given for the ghosts on the third floor, however).
Down the road from the property is an actual stop on the Oregon Trail with the original wagon still preserved on the side of the road.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book early for fall stays, as this location frequently fills up by late September for October, especially if you want the most ghostly experience on the third floor.
Geiser Grand Hotel Geiser Grand Highlights:Your luxury basecamp to explore the wonders of Eastern Oregon sits in Baker City. This charming historic landmark stands proudly on Main Street in historic Baker City with luxurious guest suites and incredible food. Crystal chandeliers, a majestic stained glass ceiling and mahogany columns inspire wonder and romance. The architecture has been painstakingly preserved and the owners had the four-story clock tower erected to give this building the prominence in town it deserves.
The original destination for gold rush tycoons who made it big and needed a stopping point to deposit their riches, this hotel was a lavish place to stay for the newly rich who were in a town known as a banking center of the Wild West.
While the setting is historic, services are unquestionably state-of-the-art. At the Geiser Grand , the rich heritage of the architecture carries over to the menu offerings. Their everyday authentic Northwestern cuisine is a culinary delight. The whiskey bread pudding with huckleberry ice cream is their signature dessert that should not be missed. The hotel does offer a fitness center if you need to walk off a few calories.
This hotel offers 30 rooms which are ornately furnished with elegant antique furniture and feature high ceilings and marble bathrooms. From its beginnings to its enchanting present, you'll uncover the secrets hidden within these historic walls when you stay.
Evening ghost tours are offered regularly during the fall season and the hotel offers a "Step Back in Time" tour daily year-round. Don't be surprised if you hear a noise or two when visiting the second floor ice machine behind the library. A large section of the original hotel has been mothballed for future expansion, and is rumored to be inhabited by old gold mining tycoons with restless spirits.
The Geiser Grand Hotel is hosting several Halloween-themed events in the coming weeks during 2024.
If only the walls could talk here! The fully renovated MotoLodge retro motel in Pendleton is an economical stay and covers all of the bases. Reminiscent of motels from a bygone era, this lodging choice is convenient to everything in Pendleton.
All guests are greeted with a complimentary beverage of their choice, including an assortment of local beers and hard seltzers. Rooms are your standard hotel style with doors to the outside and overlooking their pool area. Refurbished in 2022, the property has extremely comfortable beds and the air conditioning, when needed, works great!
Nearby AttractionsLinking all of these lodging destinations is the scenic drive on Eastern Oregon's I-84, which is not your typical interstate numbing experience. Rolling hills with sagebrush and tracks from the Oregon trail are visible. The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is near Baker City with exhibits detailing the harsh conditions of original settlers in the area.
Further up I-84 to the northwest slightly south of Pendelton is The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, a museum and research institute located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. It is the only Native American museum along the Oregon Trail. The exhibits here tell the story of the history of the native indigenous people before the Westward expansion of early explorers like Lewis and Clark. Also documented through a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits are clothing and photos showing the effect of the missionaries on the Native American culture and traditional way of life.
A bit further north is the wild west town of Pendleton, home to the legendary woolmakers and the Pendleton Round-up rodeo. The Pendleton underground tour details the secret details of life in early Pendleton which was largely a railroad town built by Chinese immigrants. It also shares the history of the brothels in town and the ornate cave system linking merchants to safeguard money and merchandise from outlaws in the late 1800's. The living quarters of the Chinese workers underground are a bit spooky and include the opium room where many were reported to have died. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and does include some stairs, if you are with anyone with accessibility issues.
Eastern Oregon is a two-hour drive from Boise or four hours from Portland. It's a great option for an extended weekend getaway this fall, if you dare.
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This story was originally published September 22, 2024, 8:00 AM.
