Bare, twisted branches reach toward the night sky while and an ominous aura creeps across the landscape accompanied by a chill in the air. Halloween looms just ahead and some of us are looking for a good scare.
If you’re among those looking for something a little (or a lot) spooky and all together kooky we’ve done some sleuthing to find the most horrifying and haunted destinations in the area for you to get your fright on. Please keep in mind, most of the experiences below are not recommended for those 10 years of age and younger or those faint of heart.
Hell’s Gateway
Hell’s Gateway has a haunted house experience but also boasts an intense thrill ride with their “Real Fear Experience.” This interactive adventure lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and is open to those 18 years and older by reservation only. The experience requires a “hold harmless” agreement that asks for your autograph, fingerprint and video confirmation, yeesh……just getting in sounds intense. Hell’s Gateway recommends those who revel in the scarefest to not wear their Sunday’s best and bring a change of clothing and clean beach towel. If you fancy yourself a true horror hound, this sounds like it’s for you.
2302 Fawcett Ave in Tacoma
Call 206.743.5620 for more details.
Tickets are available for purchase in person at the Mandustrial retail space.
Price: $30 to $45
Fright Fest at Wild Waves
Though Wild Waves might best be known for summer lovin’ and amusement park fun, during the month of October they host Fright Fest! You can enjoy the full amusement park experience, rides and all in the dark of night then enjoy a wave pool dance party followed by a visit to their haunted house. Throughout the grounds you’ll encounter costumed creatures lying in wait around every corner. And if you come with the littles who might scare easy, you can venture to Booville, Wild Waves “scare-free zone.”
36201 Enchanted Parkway S in Federal Way
Open Fridays 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturdays 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sundays 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: $11.99 to $24.99 for single day passes, $10.91 parking pass.
Frighthouse Station
Formerly known as the Pierce County Asylum, Frighthouse Station fills Tacoma’s Freighthouse Station Marketplace with a gothic walk through of the afterlife upstairs and 15,000 square feet of “The Shadows” and scares on the ground floor.
2501 E. G Street in Tacoma
Open Fridays and Saturdays in October 7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., Sundays in October and Monday, October 30 and Halloween evening from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fright Factory
The Puget Sound’s top rated haunted house is tucked away in a secluded are of Buckley, Washington. Not only is The Fright Factory regarded highly among horror lovers, it’s also a rare gem with most of the scares residing in an actual, albeit uber creepy house, with some of the scares seeping into the surrounding area. Maybe the scariest thing of all is this adventure is cash only and there are no ATMs onsite but there are concessions, if you’re not feeling squeamish from all the frights. Heck, their promo video is enough to give you the willies.
2000 Collins Rd in Buckley
Open Fridays/Saturdays 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sundays 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Price: $12 (cash only) but receive $1 off admission price by bringing canned food donations for the local food bank.
Haunted Woods
Maris Farms hosts lots of family friendly fun during daylight hours but once the sun sets things get frightful in their Haunted Woods. The scares begin early as you await to enter the cornfield in their rustic dairy farm and they don’t let up for the entirety. Meander through the eerie ambiance as psychos, creepy creatures and sadistic characters keep your heart racing at each turn.
25001 Sumner-Buckley Hwy in Buckley
Haunted Woods Hours: October 13 and 14, 27 and 28 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., October 20 and 21 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Price: $35, Fast Pass $50
