Haunted Kitsap: Ghosts, True Crime, and Paranormal Adventures on the Peninsula
Washington’s Paranormal Peninsula
The state of Washington has always carried an eerie association with the macabre. It’s been the backdrop for everything from disturbing true crimes to some of the most groundbreaking paranormal events in the country.
What many people don’t realize is that the Kitsap Peninsula is considered a paranormal hot spot. Each year, psychics and investigators from across the nation travel to towns like Port Gamble and Bremerton to study the unexplained.
Why here? Some believe it’s the lingering energy tied to artifacts in historic museums. Others point to the spiritual connection Indigenous peoples such as the Suquamish and S’Klallam have long held with this land. The truth may be lost to history, but the supernatural reputation lives on.
In this blog post, we’re taking you inside some of Kitsap’s most haunted destinations, from eerie bayside crime scenes and ghostly museums to haunted Navy ships and one of the most notorious houses in Washington.
Our Basecamp in Kitsap: Silverdale
Before we get into the haunted locations, we wanted to mention where we stayed while we were ghost hunting. For this trip, we stayed at the Oxford Suites in Silverdale. It was perfectly positioned between Port Gamble, Bremerton, and Olalla Bay, making it easy to reach all of our destinations.
Silverdale and nearby Poulsbo are excellent Basecamp towns for exploring Kitsap. Both offer waterfront lodging, walkable downtowns, and plenty of dining options. After long days chasing ghosts, we loved returning to a comfortable room, onsite restaurant (The Waterfront Bistro), and even a nightly complimentary drink at Oxford Suites.
If you’re planning a haunted Kitsap weekend, set your Basecamp in Poulsbo or Silverdale, you’ll be centrally located to experience it all.
Now let’s get into the haunted Kitsap places we checked out!
Haunted History at Starvation Heights, Olalla Bay
On the southern edge of the Peninsula lies Olalla Bay, a misty, tucked-away inlet wrapped in evergreens. Its sense of isolation made it the stage for one of Washington’s darkest true crimes: Starvation Heights.
In the early 1900s, Dr. Linda Hazzard and her husband ran a sanitarium where patients underwent “fasting cures.” Many didn’t survive. We met with Greg Olsen, New York Times bestselling author and Olalla resident, who has written extensively about the case. Grab a copy of his book here.
Though the original “sanitarium” no longer stands, visitors still report eerie experiences on the property disembodied voices, laughter, and unsettling presences. Artifacts from Hazzard’s life are displayed at the Olalla Bay Market and Landing, owned by Greg and his wife Claudia, making this a must-stop for paranormal enthusiasts and true crime buffs alike.
The Haunted USS Turner Joy in Bremerton
Next, we headed to Bremerton, the largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula and home to the famous USS Turner Joy.
This retired Navy destroyer, commissioned in 1959, saw heavy action in the Pacific and played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War. But its haunted reputation stems from a tragedy in 1965, when a gun misfire killed three sailors.
Today, the Turner Joy rests in Bremerton Harbor as a museum ship. Visitors and staff have reported strange encounters: shadowy figures, footsteps echoing through empty corridors, and the feeling of being watched. Paranormal investigators believe the spirits of those sailors still linger.
Whether or not you encounter a ghost, touring the USS Turner Joy is one of Kitsap’s most unique and haunting experiences.
Port Gamble’s Walker-Ames House: Washington’s Haunted Mansion
The Walker-Ames House
Finally, we arrived in Port Gamble, often called one of the most haunted towns in Washington. And at the center of it all is the Walker-Ames House.
This Victorian mansion has been the focus of countless investigations. On our first visit, we didn’t even step out of the car. This time, we braved the inside with Mayor Pete Orbea, who leads paranormal tours of the house and knows its “residents” well.
With EMF readers and copper dowsing rods, we explored the rooms most known for activity. Cold spots, unexplained energy spikes, and chilling basement stories left no doubt why this house ranks among the state’s most haunted. Pete even runs Port Gamble ghost tours and the annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference, which bring paranormal enthusiasts from across the country.
If you’re brave enough, the Walker-Ames House should be at the top of your haunted Kitsap itinerary.
We hope we haven’t scared you, because we still want to break down two of our rating scales: The Drive Grade and The Level of Fun. We’ll have our Comfortability For Black People Rating for the full Kitsap Peninsula after our next visit later this year.
Drive Grade
Reaching the Kitsap Peninsula is relatively easy, with options for ferries or bridges. For this trip, we took the Edmonds–Kingston Ferry heading over and took the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on the way back.
Here’s how the Kitsap Peninsula scored on our Drive Grade scale this time around:
Views (2/2): The views were amazing! We think ferry rides offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington.
Roadside Amenities (2/2): Ferries have food and restrooms, and the towns close to ferries like, Kingston and Poulsbo have everything you need.
Roadside Attractions (2/2): Historic downtowns, bayside pull-offs, and quirky shops make the drive fun in itself.
Route Difficulty (1/2): We love a good ferry ride, but they can be inconvenient at times. So, we had to take one point off. Be sure to check the WS DOT for ferry times and any disruptions.
Parking (2/2): Whether at Port Gamble, Bremerton, or Olalla, parking was stress-free.
Total Drive Grade: 9/10
Level of Fun
Our second Kitsap adventure confirmed what we already knew — this region is packed with things to do, whether you’re into ghost hunting, maritime history, or just exploring small waterfront towns.
Quality of Activities (2/2): Haunted museums, a naval ship, and Port Gamble ghost walks, Kitsap has it all.
Quality of Restaurants (2/2): From seafood spots to cozy bistros, Kitsap’s dining scene continues to impress. One standout: the Saucy Sailor near Kingston.
Visitor Demographics (2/2): Families, ghost hunters, and history buffs all find something here.
Special Events (2/2): The Port Gamble Ghost Conference is a major draw each fall.
Affordability (2/2): Compared to other Western Washington getaways, Kitsap remains budget-friendly.
Total Level of Fun Score: 10/10
Final Thoughts
From Olalla Bay’s Starvation Heights to the USS Turner Joy and Port Gamble’s Walker-Ames House, the Kitsap Peninsula offers one of Washington’s most unique blends of history and hauntings. Whether you’re chasing paranormal thrills or just want to explore Kitsap’s rich culture, this region delivers.
Set your Basecamp in Poulsbo or Silverdale, bring your curiosity (and maybe some sage or protective oils), and see for yourself why Kitsap is considered one of the most haunted corners of the Pacific Northwest.
