Dark Tourism
What is it about Pierce County that lends itself so perfectly to creepy adventure? “The weather and the geography do a lot to enhance the mood of any spooky story,” explains Chris Staudinger, founder of Pretty Gritty Tours, whose offerings include Ghost Tours of Tacoma. “There’s a shocking amount of mysterious or dark history in the region, begging to be explored: ghost sightings, but there’s a strong connection to UFOs and cryptids in the region as well.”
The Pacific Northwest already has an aura of spookiness with our quiet mountain towns and tall evergreens peeking through fog and rain. But if you’re seeking more than a vibe, this three-day itinerary will lead you through Pierce County sites that locals swear are haunted—with plenty of local history and interesting stories along the way.