A crisp chill settles into the air and a palpable sense of excitement sweeps through Clark County as the season of thrills and spooks arrives. It’s that time of the year when ghosts, ghouls, and all things eerie come to life. From quivering encounters with the unknown to bone-chilling tales of apparitions, Clark County holds an array of attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
So, let’s delve into the depths of the county’s most haunted spots – a journey that will challenge your senses and test your courage. It’s time to get your spook on!
#1 NW Escape Experience
1503 NE 78th St Ste 7, Vancouver, WA 98665
Rated as the #1 escape room in Vancouver, NW Escape Experience offers award-winning adventures. One of the best and strongest-themed rooms they present is Ronnie’s House, a place where adrenaline and fear collide in a heart-pounding race against time. Ronnie Earl Watts, The Vantucky Ripper, has devised a sinister game and you’ve become an unwilling player in his twisted world.
Your journey starts after narrowly escaping the serial killer’s basement kill room only to find yourself trapped inside his house. Your courage and wits will be pushed to the limits as you only have a mere one hour to decipher his cryptic clues, solve his puzzles, outsmart the Ripper, and secure your freedom.
This game is not for the faint of heart; it’s rated R and parental discretion is advised. On top of the masterfully crafted puzzles, the intense theme is what makes it one of the most thrilling and chilling escape rooms you’ll ever dare to enter. If you think you’re brave enough, book Ronnie’s House here.
#2 Old Slocum House
605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660
The Slocum House is a mansion with a history as mysterious as it is compelling. While it once served as the residence of a childless couple, Charles and Laura Slocum, the house’s spectral inhabitants have ensured its reputation as one of the haunted spots in Vancouver. With each unexplained phenomenon and creaking floorboard, the Slocum House pulls you into an abode where the past refuses to remain silent.
Some of the popular hauntings at the house include footsteps in the hallways and items spontaneously falling from shelves. These have caused many to believe that the original owners still reside there. Additionally, the ghost of Laura Slocum often appeared to watch children perform when the Slocum House was used as a community theater.
In contrast to his wife, Charles Slocum harbored less-than-welcoming intentions as his spirit frequently annoyed and unnerved theater-goers. Many of those who wander around the area during the spooky season can still feel the eerie atmosphere of the Slocum House. Esther Park itself has been reported to be haunted by the ghost of two men, so whether these stories are true or not, would you dare to explore its shadowy depths under the veil of night?
#3 Cinema of Horrors
17402 NE Delfel Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Cinema of Horrors is the most exciting Halloween event and haunted attraction in the state. This drive-in, live-action horror movie experience is where screams from the screen come to life.
The monsters from the scariest horror blockbusters don’t stay confined to the screen. They lurk outside your car window and their grotesque forms are illuminated by the screen’s eerie glow. Some of the movies they’ll show this year include Jeepers Creepers, Scream, Trick ‘r Treat, The Shining, Insidious, and Halloween. They also have local food vendors on site and family nights which are great for families and young children to experience.
This one-of-a-kind event lasts approximately two hours depending on the length of the film and features high-quality lighting and sound, in-car audio, terrifying twists, and Hollywood-quality makeup. There’s no age limit but the majority of the featured films are PG-13 or R-rated. Additional details, like dates, times, and ticket prices, can be found here
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#4 Twisted Escape Room
8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662
Twisted Escape Room presents what probably is the creepiest and most challenging escape room in the city: Dolls Attic. This escape room is decorated with horrifying props that will surely give you chills.
You’ll play as the unsuspecting inheritor of a creepy old mansion that you and your friends decided to explore. Inside, a trove of family secrets in the attic awaits to be discovered, each concealed within the gaze of porcelain dolls with eyes that seem to follow your every move. The enigmatic aura of the room deepens as you begin your quest to open the spirit portal and send the demons back to the world they come from.
Dolls Attic offers a paranormal, deeply immersive experience that will test your mettle and haunt your memories long after the game concludes. If you dare, book Doll’s Attic here.
#5 Halloween on Franklin Street
4616 NW Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98663
For nearly four decades, Franklin Street has been synonymous with Halloween extravaganza and one of the largest Halloween displays in the city. It all began with Jim Mains, who decorated his parent’s home at the age of 7, just a few blocks from where his family lives today.
Over the years, neighbors on Franklin Street have collaborated for an immersive holiday spectacle. These residents combine their resources and creative prowess to orchestrate memorable displays for several occasions, but Christmas and Halloween stand out as the crown jewels of their collective endeavor. Last year, more than 12,500 trick-or-treaters visited the streets.
You and your family can stop by and take in the spooky sights, sounds, and special effects on the street. Halloween on Franklin Street kicks off nightly between 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Donations are warmly welcomed to help with costs for electricity, production, and Halloween candies.
#6 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
612 E Reserve St, Vancouver, WA 98661
Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was a major center of regional fur trading. If you ever visited the area, you probably didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary but there’s no denying that paranormal activities exist here. Locals on walking tours, professional ghost hunters, and former employees have both heard and seen things that suggest some of the site’s early residents never left.
Some of the reports are tame like doors opening and shutting by themselves, sounds of disembodied footsteps, and phone ringing though they are completely unplugged. Besides the ghosts of soldiers, the ghost bride, and the ghost of a child who drowned in the river, there’s also a ghost, which employees have nicknamed Sully, who likes to hang out at the (now closed) Grant House. The vast majority of spirits have been spotted around the nearby Officers Row.
The combination of history and haunting make this historic site the pinnacle of eerie destinations in Vancouver. If you’re interested in taking a ghost walk tour, Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks is a popular option. I also recommend the Clark County Museum Haunted Walking tours, though they are best suited for those 10 years and older.
Now that we’ve uncovered the most haunted Halloween attractions in Clark County, I want to hear from you! Have you experienced any of these ghoulish encounters, or do you have other terrifying tales to share?
Perhaps you have insider tips for fellow thrill-seekers. Leave a comment below and let’s keep the spirit of Halloween alive in Clark County!
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