About
Built in 1921, the Columbia Gorge Hotel, originally named the Hotel Benson, served as a luxury retreat in Oregon's scenic Columbia River Gorge area, hosting renowned guests such as President Roosevelt and actress Shirley Temple, until it hit hard times during the Great Depression. In 1952, the Neighbors of Woodcraft purchased the property and converted it into a retirement home until a restoration project in 1977 returned it to its former glory and restarted its lodging operations.
Today, the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa still operates as a luxury hotel and wedding venue, but it is also said to be haunted by the ghosts of its past.
Various deaths have occurred at the site of the property, including from elders that lived there during its years as a retirement home, and one alleged case of a woman jumping from one of its balconies. Guests have reported sights such as an unknown woman haunting room 330 and a little boy haunting the ballroom, which used to be a pool.
Other ghostly activities, such as windows opening and closing of their own accord, a sudden smell of cigar smoke wafting in the room, and the sound of footsteps down empty hallways, have been said to occur. Guests staying on the third floor have reportedly heard loud stomping from the floor above, but the next morning upon leaving or exploring the grounds, they've realized that there is no fourth floor.
Know Before You Go
Open year-round.
Located just off the highway, take exit 62 and turn right at the top, then at the end of the road, take a left and down the hill, the entrance should be on the right about 1,053 feet down the road.
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Published
September 29, 2025