Deep beneath the bustling streets of Portland, Oregon lies a shadowy network of tunnels that whispers stories from the city’s dark and mysterious past. Known as the Shanghai Tunnels, these underground passages are steeped in both historical intrigue and chilling folklore. Once a hub of illicit activity, they’ve become one of Portland’s most infamous paranormal hotspots. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or a curious traveler looking to uncover the city’s secrets, the Shanghai Tunnels offer a unique blend of eerie atmosphere and rich historical context that will stay with you long after your visit.
The History
What Are the Shanghai Tunnels?
The Shanghai Tunnels, also referred to as the “Old Portland Underground,” are a series of interconnected basements and passageways beneath downtown Portland—particularly beneath the Old Town and Chinatown districts. Their name stems from the lore of “shanghaiing,” a practice in which unsuspecting victims were allegedly kidnapped and forced into maritime labor. The tunnels once connected hotels, bars, brothels, and other establishments to the Willamette River, creating a subterranean labyrinth accessible to smugglers and criminals alike.
Origin and Construction
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Portland emerged as a major port city on the West Coast. To accommodate the influx of sailors, traders, and immigrants, many businesses constructed underground tunnels to easily transport goods—and, as some believe, human cargo. These tunnels began as convenient pathways for moving goods between ships and storage areas, avoiding the mud-clogged city streets above. However, legend has it that nefarious characters soon repurposed them for more sinister activities.
The Dark Era of “Shanghaiing”
The term “shanghaiing” refers to the practice of drugging, kidnapping, and selling men to ships as laborers, particularly during Portland’s seedy maritime past. According to local lore, drunken patrons in saloons were dropped through trapdoors, or “deadfalls,” into the tunnels below. Once there, they were held in makeshift cells known as “holding rooms,” and kept until a ship captain needed cheap—or free—crew members. These abducted men would often awaken at sea, unsure of how they got there.
While historians debate the extent and frequency of actual shanghaiing in Portland, there’s little doubt that the tunnels were home to plenty of illicit activity. Their isolation made them ideal for black-market dealings, smuggling, illegal gambling, and even human trafficking. Tales of tormented souls and unlawful imprisonment echo through the tunnel walls, providing endless fodder for the city’s haunted reputation.
The Tunnels Fade from Use
As Portland modernized, the need for underground goods transportation declined. Many of the tunnels were sealed or forgotten, lost to time and urban development. However, in recent decades, restoration efforts and guided tours have unearthed some of these subterranean corridors, allowing the public to descend and witness this eerie part of the city’s underworld once more.
The Haunt
Ghostly Reports in the Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels are widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in Oregon—and with good reason. Visitors and tour guides frequently report unexplained phenomena, from disembodied voices to sudden temperature drops and phantom footsteps. One of the most reported occurrences is the feeling of being watched or followed while walking through the dimly lit corridors.
Paranormal investigators have recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), captured strange energy readings, and even filmed apparitions roaming the passageways. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures, particularly in the old holding rooms, which many believe still house the restless spirits of kidnapped sailors and other long-forgotten victims.
The Spirit of Nina
One of the most well-known spirits said to haunt the Shanghai Tunnels is a woman named Nina (pronounced “NINE-ah”). According to local legend, Nina was a social reformer or perhaps a sex worker who tried exposing the dark truths of shanghaiing. She was allegedly murdered and tossed down an elevator shaft within the tunnels—her body discovered days later. Today, her presence is felt by many, described as a comforting yet deeply sorrowful energy. Tour guides frequently mention Nina’s story during tours, and visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure or hearing a woman’s gentle sobs echoing through the tunnels.
Paranormal Investigations
Over the years, the Shanghai Tunnels have attracted numerous ghost-hunting organizations, including national teams featured on TV shows like Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. These investigations have yielded fascinating results—mysterious cold spots, spirit box conversations, and even captured video of unexplained lights darting through the darkness.
Some paranormal teams claim the tunnels are a veritable vortex of spiritual energy, making them a prime location for serious investigators. However, the human energy—fear, confusion, panic—imprinted in the tunnels over decades may very well be what fuels their hauntings the most. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or just someone open to the unseen, the Shanghai Tunnels offer a legitimate space for eerie experiences and supernatural encounters.
The Residual and the Intelligent Hauntings
Experts in the paranormal have categorized Shanghai Tunnel hauntings as both residual and intelligent. Residual hauntings operate like a recording—repeating traumatic events tied to the space. Many believe the echoes of kidnapped sailors or brothel violence play on loop like a ghostly filmstrip. Intelligent hauntings, on the other hand, involve interactive spirits that can respond to questions, touch visitors, or move objects. The spirit of Nina and other entities have reportedly interacted with visitors in ways that suggest they are not just memories—but entities still anchored to the tunnels itself.
Conclusion: Dare to Explore the Depths
Don’t let Portland’s quirky charm and craft-beer vibes fool you—beneath its eclectic street-level culture lies a darker, older story begging to be explored. The Shanghai Tunnels offer a rare glimpse into a preserved, albeit haunting, chapter of urban America’s hidden history. From the documented accounts of forced labor and underground crime to the pervasive paranormal experiences that continue to mystify and frighten visitors, these tunnels are a must-visit for the ghost-hunting traveler.
If you’re an amateur investigator or a seasoned paranormal expert, bring your gear and your courage. Ghost tours and private investigations are available year-round, offering safe access to some of the tunnels’ most active hotspots. Whether you’re hoping for an EVP session, a poltergeist encounter, or simply want to walk in the footsteps of Portland’s lost souls, the Shanghai Tunnels promise an unforgettable and bone-chilling experience unlike any other.
So, grab your flashlight, put on some sturdy shoes, and open your senses to what lurks beneath Portland’s streets. The secrets of the Shanghai Tunnels await—calling out to those brave enough to listen.