The Walker-Ames House looms over Port Gamble, Washington, like a silent sentinel from a forgotten era. Its Victorian elegance hides a darker truth: this is no ordinary home. Locals whisper of ghostly children peering from upstairs windows and a nanny’s spirit searching endlessly for someone lost to time. Known as Washington’s most haunted house, the Walker-Ames House draws thrill-seekers and paranormal investigators alike, eager to uncover its secrets. Built in 1888, this Queen Anne-style mansion once housed the elite of a bustling lumber town. Today, it’s a hotspot for eerie encounters, featured on A&E’s My Ghost Story and in novels like Gregg Olsen’s Empty Coffin series. Curious about what lingers in its shadowy halls? Let’s dive into its dark past.
Port Gamble itself feels frozen in time, a quaint New England-style village on Puget Sound’s shores. The Walker-Ames House, perched on Rainier Avenue, commands attention with its intricate architecture and unsettling aura. Visitors report a heavy feeling, as if the air itself carries the weight of untold stories. Why does this house grip the imagination of so many? Perhaps it’s the creak of floorboards when no one’s there or the flicker of attic lights in an empty home. The mansion’s history and hauntings intertwine, creating a chilling legacy that’s hard to ignore.
This post will guide you through the house’s storied past, its resident spirits, and real-life encounters that make it a paranormal legend. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Walker-Ames House offers a glimpse into the unknown. Ready to explore? Let’s step inside.
The Ghosts of Walker-Ames House
The Children in the Attic
The attic of the Walker-Ames House is where the air feels thickest. Visitors often report seeing the apparitions of three small children peering from upstairs windows, their faces pale and fleeting. Are these the spirits of children tied to the house’s early days? Paranormal investigator Pete Orbea, who leads ghost tours, notes toys left in the attic sometimes move on their own, as if played with by unseen hands. Shadows dart in corners, and faint giggles echo when no one’s there. Some speculate these are the spirits of children who lived in the mill town, perhaps victims of illness or accidents.
The Nanny’s Ghost
A spectral nanny is the house’s most famous resident. Described as a woman in old-fashioned clothing, she’s often seen in the hallways, her face blank and searching. Pete Orbea recounts a chilling encounter: during a 2018 tour, he and a group saw her standing in a doorway before she vanished. “She’s looking for someone,” he says, “but we don’t know who.” Locals report seeing her silhouette in windows, even when the house is locked tight. Could she be a caretaker from the Walker or Ames family era, forever bound to her duties?
The Basement Presence
The basement is where the house’s ominous vibe peaks. Investigators describe a “thick heaviness” here, with some feeling watched or touched. In 2008, a film crew member emerged from the basement with a dusty handprint on her leg, claiming she’d been grabbed. No historical figure is tied to this entity, but its presence is consistent across reports. The basement’s dark, damp confines seem to trap something restless, making it a focal point for paranormal teams.
These spirits, from playful children to a mournful nanny, give the Walker-Ames House its haunted reputation. While skeptics might blame old pipes or drafts, believers point to decades of consistent sightings. Who are these ghosts, and why do they stay? The answers may lie in the stories of those who’ve crossed their path.
Ghostly Encounters People Have Had
The Walker-Ames House has no shortage of chilling tales. Since the 1950s, paranormal investigators and visitors have documented eerie experiences, many shared through Port Gamble’s ghost tours and conferences. Here are some of the most compelling encounters.
In January 2008, Puget Sound Ghost Hunters and Advanced Ghost Hunters of Seattle-Tacoma (AGHOST) spent two nights investigating the house. One team member, shaken, reported doors slamming shut despite being held open with heavy weights. “We all heard it,” he said in a 2009 mlive.com article. Another investigator felt dizzy and nauseated in the attic, where a REM-Pod device detected activity near untouched toys. The team captured an electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) saying, “That’s right,” near the front door after offering cupcakes to the spirits.
A 2019 investigation by a group led by Chase D. yielded startling results. “We spent six hours inside and captured more activity than anywhere else,” Chase wrote on HauntedPlaces.org. The team felt physical touches in the attic, heard disembodied footsteps, and recorded multiple EVPs, including one whispering, “Stay.” The group’s REM-Pod went wild near a child’s toy, suggesting a playful spirit. Chase added, “Anyone who says this place isn’t haunted hasn’t given it a proper look.”
In 2021, a visitor named Ken G. shared a photo taken during a ghost walk, posted on PortGambleParanormal.com. The image, snapped in the master bedroom, showed a shadowy figure in a doorway. “I didn’t see it when I took the picture,” Ken said. “It only showed up later.” The tour guide, Pete Orbea, confirmed similar sightings of the nanny’s ghost in that spot.
Not all experiences are dramatic. A 2020 tour-goer, Pete, commented on WAHauntedHouses.com: “No strange things happened on our tour, but the house felt heavy, like someone was watching.” He added, “I don’t doubt it’s haunted.” Conversely, a skeptic named Kristi, who toured in 2014, called the experience “boring” and the house “rotting,” suggesting the hauntings were hyped for profit. Yet even she admitted the house’s eerie atmosphere was undeniable.
These stories, from EVPs to fleeting apparitions, fuel the house’s legend. Have you felt a chill in an old home or seen something unexplained? Share your story at Reports@ParaRational.com!
Learn More About Haunted Locations
Walker-Ames House Map
Perched at 32340 Rainier Ave NE, Port Gamble, WA 98364 (47.8541, -122.5836), the Walker-Ames House is a hauntingly beautiful Victorian mansion. Known as Washington’s most haunted, its creaky floors and shadowy attic draw ghost hunters seeking encounters with spectral children and a restless nanny.
Tips for Visiting Walker-Ames House
Planning a visit to the haunted Walker-Ames House? Here’s how to make the most of your trip to this paranormal hotspot in Port Gamble.
- Join a Guided Tour: The best way to explore is through a ghost tour or special investigation led by experts like Pete Orbea. Tours run regularly, especially around Halloween, and cost about $40 for a three-hour session. Book in advance via PortGambleParanormal.com, as spots fill fast.
- What to Bring: Pack a flashlight, as the house is dimly lit, and a digital recorder for capturing EVPs. Cameras are welcome, but tripods may be restricted. Dress warmly—the house is drafty, and the basement feels colder than it should.
- Best Times to Visit: Evening tours offer the spookiest vibe, especially in fall when Port Gamble hosts its Ghost Conference (November). Daytime visits are less intense but still eerie. Check the website for schedules.
- Safety Tips: Don’t wander alone, especially in the basement or attic, where the energy feels heaviest. Respect the property—no trespassing outside designated tours. The house is old, so watch for uneven floors.
The Walker-Ames House is a private property, so unauthorized entry is prohibited. Stick to official tours to stay safe and legal. Curious about capturing your own ghostly evidence? Bring a friend and keep your senses sharp.
FAQ Section
Is the Walker-Ames House really haunted? Reports of apparitions, EVPs, and physical touches date back to the 1950s. While skeptics chalk it up to an old house’s creaks, investigators like Pete Orbea swear by the evidence. Decide for yourself on a tour.
Can I stay overnight in the Walker-Ames House? Overnight stays aren’t typically allowed, but special investigations offer three-hour sessions. Contact PortGambleParanormal.com for details on extended access.
How do I book a ghost tour? Visit PortGambleParanormal.com to reserve a spot. Tours cost around $40 and require pre-booking. Must be 16+ to join investigations.
What’s the best time to visit for paranormal activity? Evening tours, especially in October or November, are said to yield the most activity. The annual Ghost Conference in November is a great time to dive deep.
Is the house safe to visit? The house is structurally sound but old, with uneven floors and dim lighting. Stick to guided tours and avoid wandering alone, especially in the basement.
Can I investigate with my own paranormal team? Private investigations are sometimes allowed with permission from Port Gamble’s management. Email aparanormalcasestudy@gmail.com to inquire about access.
Conclusion
The Walker-Ames House is more than a historic mansion—it’s a portal to the unknown. From its lumber-town roots to its chilling reputation, this Port Gamble landmark captivates with tales of ghostly children, a searching nanny, and an unsettling basement presence. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity or a thirst for thrills, a visit promises an unforgettable experience. Ready for chills? Book a tour at PortGambleParanormal.com or share your own spooky story at Reports@ParaRational.com.
