There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of walking (or running) through a haunted house. Thrill seekers everywhere look forward to October for its unique brand of fright. If you’re a local spook enthusiast, rest easy – there are plenty of opportunities to scream in fright in our area. Here’s a roundup of hair-raising Lewis County haunted houses, including a few in the near vicinity.
Dead Ending Haunted House
Dead Ending is 10,000 square feet of spooky maze intended to frighten the toughest customer. A guide will lead your group through scenes that unexpectedly come to life, exciting the senses. Though the experience is meant to be scary, they’ll tone it down for more impressionable customers as requested, making Dead Ending an all-ages activity.
2018 is Dead Ending’s seventh year of operation, but they have a new home in the Yardbirds mall at 2100 N National Avenue in Chehalis.
Hours of Operation are 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Dead Ending is also open October 30 and 31.
General admission is $8, and $7 for students with ID.
Family Friendly Haunted House
For those looking for a haunted house that’s more whimsical than terrifying, check out the Family Friendly Haunted House at the Bucoda Community Center. Hours of operation are October 26 and 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person or 4 non-perishable food items (no Top Ramon please). A coat, gently used and clean, will also grant you entry.
Scary-Nights Haunted House
Scary-Nights will have you screaming “I WANT MORE!” The house is located in Bucoda’s famous 1930s-era haunted gym for the seventh year, with a cast of monsters waiting to give you the ultimate thrill. Scary-Nights caters to audience ages 10 to 80, but any age can come. Just know your child, as it’s not everyone’s cup of tea). Scary-Nights monsters feed on your willingness to enter the unknown, and will show you how truly terrifying their “Ghostly Haunted Gym” can be.
This is an indoor event, but some areas are outside and not fully covered, so dress appropriately.
Located at 403 North Nenant Street in Bucoda.
Hours of Operation are 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Scary-nights is also open October 29, 30 and 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission is $12. Scary Nights will be supporting the Bucoda Community, surrounding communities, local schools and local food banks.
Hunttings Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Forest
The nighttime Haunted Forest in Cinebar is 1,700 feet of trail through dark woods. Make your way into the forest as figures loom out of the shadows. Actors heighten the experience throughout. A chill will run up your spine as shadows shift or footsteps approach from behind. This is an outdoor experience, so when the weather is wet, the trail can be too. Proper footwear is recommended.
For those who prefer something less spooky, the Hunttings’ three-acre corn maze is open at night for visitors to explore with flashlights. It’s a challenge in the daylight to find all the stations inside the maze and it’s nearly impossible at night; but it sure is fun trying.
Located at 600 Cinebar Road in Cinebar.
The Haunted Forest and Corn Maze are both open Friday and Saturday nights in October from dark until 11:00 p.m. And enjoy the warmth of their campfire with friends.
Admission is $10 for the Haunted Forest and $7 for the Corn Maze.
Check out Hunttings’ Facebook page for all their daytime activities.
Ghost Tours at the Lewis County Historical Museum
There are no actors for this Ghostly encounter, as the Lewis County Historical Museum is reported to actually be haunted. Ghost Tours are guided by the South Sound Paranormal Research team, who have done extensive studies there for the past 10 years. They have audio recordings of voices as well as some video documentation. There are stories of children being sighted, before immediately disappearing.
The tour takes place after dark. The visitors are armed with flashlights and are escorted through the lobby and up to the attic. This is where a lot of activity has been experienced throughout the years. Some people have left early due to the feelings they experience in the attic. Guests are then taken through the rest of the museum and finally to the back boardroom, where past evidence is presented.
Because of the frightening nature of this event, no one under 13-years-old is allowed.
Dates are October 20 and 27, with tours at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online.
Be sure to bring an open mind and a flashlight!
Speaking of Hauntings
If a good ghost story makes your hair stand on end, then consider visiting some of the allegedly haunted locations around Lewis County.
The Olympic Club
Built in 1908, the historic hotel and saloon has had an eventful history. There are reports of seeing and hearing apparitions throughout various parts of the establishment.
Haunted School House Steps
A former schoolhouse which reportedly burned to the ground is located in the city of Chehalis, behind the Chehalis library. Supernatural activity seems centered on three flights of stairs. The area is said to be one of the most haunted spots in Lewis County. Visitors to the site report seeing ghostly figures of schoolchildren on location, one playing with a wagon.
