PNW Haunts & Homicides

Join us as we explore the fascinating history and hauntings of Fort Vancouver! Built in 1825, this iconic site marks its 200th anniversary this year. Originally a fur trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Fort Vancouver has a rich, complex history—colonial expansion on Indigenous communities, military takeovers, and lost gravesites. We dive into the hauntings of Officer’s Row, the Vancouver B...

In June 2013, 19-year-old Maureen Leianuhea “Anu” Kelly set off on a camping trip with friends in the vast and unspoiled wilderness Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The backdrop was both scenic and rugged. What was supposed to be a carefree adventure outdoors turned into a chilling mystery when Anu walked away from their campsite—completely nude, save for her fanny pack—and never returned. Despite...

Join us as we celebrate a significant milestone, marking our 200th episode with reflections on our incredible journey and the fascinating significance of the number 200. We explore the realm of angel numbers, uncovering how 200 embodies abundance, wealth, and success, urging us to trust our intuition and keep striving towards our goals. We break down the numerology of 200, highlighting the energie...

On the evening of July 12th, 2016 when two teenage girls, Faith Lorraine Tsarnas and Kiya Kitchen, were struck and killed in a hit-and-run, the small town of Fortuna in Humboldt County, CA, was left devastated. Speculation swirled as locals poured out their support online immediately, long before the victims, or the perpetrator, were identified. But when investigators uncovered the shocking truth—...

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, just northeast of Sacramento, Nevada City, CA, is a historic Gold Rush town. Founded in 1849, it was one of the most important mining towns in California—though getting there wasn’t easy, as some early settlers traveled via the same treacherous route as the Donner Party. In this episode, we explore the National Exchange Hotel, a California Historical Landmar...

On June 30th, 2001, in the quiet town of Hood River, locals would be saddened by the discovery of Eric Tamiyasu’s body in his rural home. But nothing could prepare them for the shocking realization that would come just a day later following his autopsy. He had been shot three times in the head, his body left undisturbed in his bed for nearly a week prior to the gruesome discovery. There were no si...

In Damascus, Oregon—just 16 miles from Portland—sits a property shrouded in mystery, rumor, and controversy. Known as Oculus Anubis , the name itself sparks curiosity: Oculus (Latin for "eye") and Anubis (the Egyptian god of the afterlife). With its eccentric gate, pyramids, and statues of ancient deities like Sekhmet, this property has fueled countless urban legends. Some claim secret underground...

This episode, we delve into the life and crimes of Scott Scurlock, the bank robber who captivated law enforcement, the media, and public in the early 1990s. Known as "Hollywood" for his cinematic disguises & high-stakes escapades. We’ll provide a glimpse into the life of Scott Scurlock, better known as the Hollywood Bandit. Born to a preacher father and special education teacher mother, Scott'...

Ever wondered about the eerie allure of places left to time and the stories they might tell? Join us as we chat with Ben from Places_Forgotten , a remarkable photographer who has made it his mission to capture the haunting beauty of abandoned locations. Known for his viral TikTok videos, Ben’s work resonates with a global audience captivated by the mysterious and the macabre. As we explore the wor...

In this gripping episode, true crime meets catastrophic disaster. We’re also visiting Portland’s sister city established in 1983 – Guadalajara, Mexico. We’re diving deep into one of the most haunting tragedies in Mexico’s history: the devastating series of explosions that rocked Guadalajara on April 22, 1992. Joining us is Cristina, one of our pod besties, who brings her unique perspective and spe...

Are you curious—or perhaps a bit wary—of the "D word" (demons)? This episode dives into the fascinating and chilling world of exorcisms , the ritualistic practice of expelling supposed evil spirits. We explore the history of exorcisms, from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern-day Pacific Northwest! We discuss the three stages of possession —infestation, oppression, and possession—and how exorcists d...

Step into the foggy streets of Portland in December 1958, where a seemingly perfect family—Ken and Barbara Martin along their three daughters—vanished without a trace. From their cheerful "Candy Lane" home to their fateful trip in search of a Christmas tree, this haunting case captivated the Pacific Northwest as well as the rest of the nation. Featuring nearly daily coverage in newspapers like The...

This holiday season, we're reviving a spooky Victorian tradition: ghost stories by the fire! Ever wonder why scary tales were part of the holly-jolly festivities? In this episode, we dive into the history of Victorian Christmas ghost stories, from the influence of Queen Victoria to the rise of printed tales like Charles Dickens’ iconic A Christmas Carol. We also explore how America embraced a swee...

In this episode, we investigate the horrifying discovery of the Oak Grove Jane Doe in 1946, a cold case that still haunts Oregon’s history. In the serene suburb of Oak Grove, Oregon, 1946 was marked by a grim discovery that shocked the quiet community. Body parts, wrapped in burlap and weighted with window sash weights, surfaced in the Willamette River, sparking a chilling investigation. Over the...

Get cozy and brace yourself for the frosty, festive, and freaky vibes of Fairbanks, Alaska - where the Golden Heart of Alaska offers both yuletide cheer and spine-chilling tales! We start with the magical North Pole, a short drive from Fairbanks, where Christmas spirit lives year-round. Discover the history behind the iconic Santa Claus House, and the fascinating story of how letters to Santa beca...

Uncover the shocking and twisted story of Debbie Higbee Benton, a beloved salon owner whose 2011 murder in Gladstone, Oregon, shook her local community. As we uncover the tangled web of secrets surrounding her estranged spouse, former police sergeant Lynn Edward Benton, and two alleged accomplices, we delve into the events leading to her tragic death and the subsequent legal battles that have span...

Crater Lake, the ghost of the mighty Mount Mazama, is more than just breathtakingly blue waters—it's a place steeped in legend, tragedy, and the unexplained. In this episode, we dive into the Klamath Tribes' epic tale of a volcanic battle between the spirits of the Above and Below Worlds, culminating in Mount Mazama’s cataclysmic collapse 8,000 years ago. We'll explore the science behind its impos...

In this episode, we dive into the shocking 2016 case of Benjamin Jay Barber, one of the first individuals convicted under Oregon’s groundbreaking ‘revenge porn’ legislation House Bill 2596 — a groundbreaking law criminalizing the unlawful dissemination of intimate images. This and other pivotal cases shed light on the darker corners of the internet, the loopholes in privacy laws, and the consequen...

In this episode we delve into the astonishing, adrenaline-fueled life of Colton Harris-Moore, infamously known as the "Barefoot Bandit." From his less than idyllic childhood and rocky homelife on Camano Island of Washington state to becoming a modern-day folk hero to some, and a juvenile con-artist skilled at escaping the consequences of his crimes to many others, Colton's story is one for the boo...

Kick off November with tales of the mysterious Flannel Man—a plaid-wearing phantom spotted across the U.S. and beyond. Inspired by firsthand accounts from the Strange Familiars podcast, this episode unravels eerie sightings of a lumberjack-like figure. Most often described as a bearded man wearing a plaid flannel shirt (often red and black), blue jeans, and boots. He ranges from friendly-looking t...

Ever wondered what would happen if you pressed the right buttons to enter another world? We unravel the spine-chilling mystery of the Elevator Game, a ritual rumored to transport players to an alternate dimension, and its eerie connection to the tragic events at the Cecil Hotel involving Elisa Lam. Originating from Korea, this game is not just about the rules of button sequences and strict silence...

What mysteries lurk within the darkened corners of Portland, Oregon's haunted past? Join us on an eerie expedition through time as we unravel the spectral tales and ghostly legends that shroud this captivating city. With the compelling storytelling of Portland Ghosts tour guide, Lori, leading the way, prepare to uncover the chilling secrets of landmarks like the Benson Hotel and the notorious Shan...

On March 26, 2018, a devastating car crash off the cliffs of Mendocino County, California, left behind a mystery that left friends, neighbors, loved ones, and even fan followers throughout the nation horrified. The family’s SUV plunged off a coastal cliff and overturned in the water below and was discovered and reported to authorities by an international tourist. What initially appeared to be a tr...

Unlock the mysteries of Paxton Gate with us, where every corner promises the unexpected and the extraordinary. Join our conversation with Lilah, a seasoned guide through this Portland wonderland, as she unveils the store's journey from a niche plant shop to a treasure trove of natural curiosities.  Visit our website! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, & more!  If you have any tru...

In this episode we drive into the Gruesome Crimes of Jake Bird – Tacoma’s Ax-Killer, possibly one of America's most prolific, yet lesser-known, serial killers. Though he was born in Louisiana, he spent much of the short time that he wasn’t incarcerated traveling across the country as a transient laborer, allegedly leaving a bloody trail of unsolved murders. However, it wasn’t until he committed a...