Halloween Towns: Portland, OR

Spooky From Start To Finish

Spooky Season has arrived!

The wind is chilled, the leaves are changing, and through this period of transition, we find a reinvigorated sense of adventure.

Happy Campers RV Rentals is here to inspire and encourage your new found Fall feelings! Let's dig into the spirit of the season together, as we take you on a journey of some of the best Halloween Town destinations on the West Coast!

It's time to pack up your costumes, consolidate your candy, and hit the open road on a Halloween destination vacation in one of our comfortable RV rentals.

The fourth stop on our West Coast tour of Halloween Towns is the historically spooky city of Portland, Oregon!

"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble."

A Brief History of Portland

From corn mazes to costume parties, half-marathons to haunted houses, Portland provides the perfect Halloween plans for any scare-seeking witch or warlock.

Established in 1851, Portland has a rich and spooky history, wrought with ghost stories, shanghais, and secret underground (literally) operations.

During its first three decades, Portland depended on trade by water. Its first substantial growth came when the California Gold Rush created a huge market for Oregon wheat and lumber, much of it shipped from Portland by river and ocean to San Francisco.

Portland's Maritime Heritage

Willamette River steamboats brought farm products from the state's agricultural heartland. Steamer links connected by portage railroads on the Columbia River allowed Portland merchants to supply miners in Idaho and Montana.

The Oregon Steam Navigation Company, which had consolidated and monopolized the Columbia River trade by 1860, was the basis for several sizable fortunes. This era also gave rise to the infamous Shanghai tunnels that still haunt the city today.

Top 3 Halloween Activities in Portland

1. Howloween at the Oregon Zoo

Portland Zoo may not have actual werewolves, but they do throw an excellent Halloween party!

The Oregon Zoo celebrates spooky season with Howloween, a fun and safe Halloween tradition that invites costumed trick-or-treaters to learn about healthy habitats for wildlife during a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo.

Perfect for families, this event combines education with Halloween fun in a safe, outdoor environment. It's an ideal daytime activity before settling into your comfortable RV rental for the evening.

2. Raven's Manor Experience

Just want to enjoy a good time with your friends amidst the ghosts of Dr. Raven's Manor? Come on in for a taste of dangerously delicious drinks and light fare.

Raven's Manor sets the standard for immersive Halloween experiences. Explore the many horrors of this haunted manor and maybe you'll be lucky enough to live to tell the tale.

This haunted house themed bar offers unique features:

• The popular Raven's Manor Elixir Tour - an escape room meets cocktail hour
• Elaborate themed rooms and interactive experiences
• Craft cocktails with spooky presentations
• Photo-worthy sets perfect for Halloween memories

Don your Halloween garb and prepare for an unforgettable evening!

3. Portland Walking Ghost Tours

In the quiet Northwest, Portland has been doing its own thing for over 160 years. Much of the early history was lawless, with local villains letting nothing stand in the way of their quest for profit.

Portland Ghosts walking tours reveal the city's dark underbelly. Hear about the history of the Shanghai tunnels below the city sidewalks, used to smuggle incapacitated innocents to a life of slavery on the high seas.

What you'll experience on the tour:

• Stories of upstanding establishments that have become sites of bizarre bedevilments
• Hotels besieged by spirits and restaurants troubled by disturbing apparitions
• Historical context about Portland's lawless early days
• Spine-tingling tales from experienced local guides

Please note: tours do not enter inside any buildings but provide fascinating exterior views and historical context.

Planning Your Portland Halloween RV Adventure

Where to Stay

Portland offers several RV-friendly campgrounds within easy reach of Halloween activities. Travel Oregon provides comprehensive resources for finding the perfect spot to park your RV.

Popular options include campgrounds along the Columbia River and sites near Sauvie Island. Many offer full hookups and easy access to downtown Portland attractions.

Best Time to Visit

October brings peak Halloween festivities to Portland. The weather is crisp but manageable, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Pack layers and rain gear, as the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable.

Book your activities and RV rental early, as Halloween is an increasingly popular time to visit Portland.

Getting Around Portland in Your RV

While Portland is known for its walkability and public transit, having an RV gives you the flexibility to explore surrounding areas. Consider these tips:

• Park your RV at your campground and use rideshare for downtown activities
• Many Halloween attractions offer parking, but spaces fill quickly
• The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning day trip from Portland
• Sauvie Island's corn mazes are easily accessible by RV

Make Your Portland Halloween Memorable

Portland's unique blend of quirky culture, rich history, and Halloween spirit makes it an unforgettable destination for RV travelers. Whether you're exploring haunted tunnels, enjoying zoo festivities, or sipping cocktails in a haunted manor, Portland delivers authentic Pacific Northwest Halloween experiences.

Ready to start planning your spooky season adventure? Contact Happy Campers RV Rentals today to reserve the perfect RV for your Portland Halloween getaway. Our family-friendly RV models provide all the comfort and convenience you need for an amazing fall road trip.

Don't let this Halloween season pass you by - hit the open road and discover why Portland is one of the West Coast's most bewitching destinations!