Set in the lush countryside just outside of Portland, McMenamins Edgefield is far more than a historic hotel and brewery—it’s a portal to the past, an artistic haven, and, perhaps most intriguingly, a place with a reputation for the unexplained. What was once a hub for society’s most vulnerable has transformed into a quirky, sprawling destination that retains echoes of its past. Whether you’re a history buff, a beer lover, or a seasoned ghost hunter, Edgefield invites exploration in every sense. Let’s wander through its storied halls, peer into its haunted corners, and uncover why this unique Oregon landmark belongs on every paranormal tour list.
The History
Origins as the Multnomah County Poor Farm (1911–1960s)
McMenamins Edgefield wasn’t always a hotspot for ghost stories and evening concerts. Opening in 1911, the property was originally built as the Multnomah County Poor Farm, a community-supported institution designed to house the elderly, indigent, and disabled. Spanning 74 pastoral acres, the farm functioned as a self-sustaining village. Inhabitants grew their own food, made their own clothing, and maintained the grounds. It was both a place of refuge and one of labor—a working farm with a deeply human mission.
The Poor Farm accommodated up to 600 residents at its peak, with buildings including a hospital, laundry, and extensive gardens. Yet beneath the ideal of communal charity lay an undercurrent of hardship. Many residents lived out their final days within these walls, often buried in unmarked graves in the cemetery that still exists on the grounds. Their stories linger—not just in the history books, but perhaps in less tangible ways.
Decline and Abandonment (1960s–1980s)
As public welfare systems evolved and mental health facilities became more advanced (albeit imperfect), the Poor Farm model became obsolete. By the 1960s, the property was repurposed multiple times, serving intermittently as a nursing home, a sanitarium, and housing for patients with chronic illnesses. Each iteration brought new residents, new energies, and undoubtedly more untold stories. Eventually, the buildings fell into disuse.
Over the next two decades, the complex deteriorated. Local rumors of hauntings began circulating among the adventurous teens who dared to explore the decaying halls late at night. The place was nearly demolished—until it caught the eye of two brothers with an appreciation for history, artistry, and a sense of the otherworldly.
McMenamins Transformation (1990–Present)
In 1990, the McMenamin brothers—Mike and Brian—took a leap of faith and purchased the neglected property with plans to turn it into the flagship of their Northwest empire of quirky, history-filled pubs and hotels. And what a transformation it was.
Today, McMenamins Edgefield is a vibrant destination boasting a brewery, winery, distillery, multiple restaurants and bars, a golf course, gardens, a concert venue, and a hotel with over 100 uniquely painted rooms. The essence of its former lives is infused into every hallway, painting, and corner. McMenamins’ signature style of storytelling through artwork ensures that Edgefield’s complex legacy isn’t hidden—it’s celebrated.
The Haunt
Paranormal Activity Throughout the Grounds
For those with a sixth sense—or simply an adventurous spirit—Edgefield carries a spookiness you can’t quite shake. Numerous guests and employees have reported encounters with the unexplained. Some have claimed to see ghostly figures wandering the halls at night, while others have heard disembodied voices or felt an icy chill pass by in an empty room.
One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a woman in white, seen gliding silently down the hallways near the second floor. She vanishes when approached, but many believe she may have once been a resident during the Poor Farm era—possibly someone who died in the on-site hospital and never left.
The Infamous Second Floor
Hotel guests frequently cite Room 215 as a hotspot for paranormal activity. Reports range from sudden temperature drops to lights flickering inexplicably and even feelings of being watched. Some guests have woken up in the middle of the night, swearing they heard whispering just outside their door when no one is there.
Employees of Edgefield—especially those experienced with late-night shifts—are well aware of the building’s reputation. Some even refuse to work in certain areas after dark due to unsettling experiences, including sightings of shadowy figures and unexplainable footsteps echoing in empty corridors.
The Edgefield Cemetery
Not far from the main buildings lies the Edgefield Cemetery, an often-overlooked aspect of the site. Many of the Poor Farm’s residents were buried here, often in unmarked or simply numbered graves. It’s a quiet, humbling place—and one that is steeped in emotional energy.
Visitors to this secluded part of the property have reported feeling overwhelmingly sad upon entering the area, as if absorbing the emotional residue of those long forgotten by time. Ghost hunters armed with EMF detectors and spirit boxes have claimed to make contact with spirits who identify themselves as former residents, though these encounters remain open to interpretation.
Historical Energy Meets the Paranormal
What makes McMenamins Edgefield so compelling from a paranormal perspective is the way it blends history, art, and emotional resonance. Unlike many haunted locations that spotlight their ghostly inhabitants for thrills, Edgefield seems to accept its spiritual residents as part of the story. Paranormal investigators often note that the energy feels more melancholic than malevolent—perhaps the echoes of lives lived hard, and not necessarily evil spirits seeking revenge.
Why Ghost Hunters Should Visit
If you’re a paranormal investigator, Edgefield offers the kind of layered history that creates the perfect environment for unexplained phenomena. With its rich past, reimagined present, and stories from guests and staff alike, every visit might yield something new—be it an EVP recording, a shadow on your infrared camera, or simply the thrill of standing where time warps slightly and the veil seems thin.
What’s more, the atmosphere remains completely immersive. Unlike sanitized hotel chains, Edgefield leans into its past. Hallways are adorned with hand-painted murals that hint at the people who once called the property home. Stained glass windows, antique furniture, and vintage photos line every corridor—creating the distinct impression that history is watching you as much as you watch it.
Take a nighttime stroll through the gardens, investigate the cemetery with respect, or book a couple of nights to try your luck in one of the reportedly active rooms. Bring your EMF detector, your camera, and an open mind. But don’t worry—if you find yourself spooked, there’s always a cozy pub just steps away to help settle your nerves.
Whether you’re a skeptic looking for an intriguing getaway or a believer chasing whispers from beyond, McMenamins Edgefield stands out as one of Oregon’s most mysterious and captivating destinations. Ghosts or not, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s haunted heritage.