Wolf Creek Inn is a fascinating place with a rich history. Originally called the Wolf Creek Tavern, it opened in the 1880s and is the oldest continuously operated inn in the Pacific Northwest. This charming inn has welcomed weary travelers for over a century, making it a significant landmark in the region.
Key Points
A Historic Stop for Travelers
In its prime, Wolf Creek Inn served as a resting spot for those making the long journey from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon. This trip took about 16 days, and travelers relied on the inn for food, rest, and companionship.
One of the most famous guests was the author Jack London. He is said to have completed his novel, Valley of the Moon, while staying at the inn in the summer of 1911. Since his death in 1916, many visitors have reported seeing and hearing his spirit within the inn’s walls.
Celebrity Guests
Over the years, many notable figures have stayed at Wolf Creek Inn. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were among the famous guests. Clark Gable, his wife Carole Lombard, and Orson Welles also enjoyed the inn’s hospitality. Even John Wayne rented a room while filming Rooster Cogburn.
Ghostly Encounters
Today, Wolf Creek Inn is known not just for its history but also for its ghostly residents. One of the most popular ghost stories is about a stagecoach driver named One-Eyed Charlie Parkhurst. During the Gold Rush, Charlie was known as one of the toughest drivers on the northern route.
He had a reputation for being rough and tough, with quotes describing him as someone who “drove his team hard, cussed up a storm, and spat tobacco juice harder than anyone else.” Charlie was known for never missing a day of work—except for the day after payday when he was too hungover to drive.
A Shocking Revelation
In 1868, Charlie registered to vote, claiming he wanted to support Ulysses S. Grant. However, when Charlie died at the age of 67, the mortician discovered a shocking truth: Charlie was actually Charlotte, an orphan girl who had disguised herself as a man to escape her past. Some believe that when she voted in the 1868 presidential election, she became one of the first women in the U.S. to cast a vote.
The Ghost of One-Eyed Charlie
Visitors to Wolf Creek Inn often report seeing the ghost of a rough-dressed man on the main floor. Many believe this spirit is One-Eyed Charlie. Some have even captured his voice on Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs). However, there’s a twist: Charlie died four years before the Wolf Creek Tavern opened, making it unlikely that her ghost is the one haunting the inn. Still, the story is too captivating to ignore.
A Historic Landmark
Wolf Creek Inn is owned by the state of Oregon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its rich history and ghostly tales make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the paranormal or the history of the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Wolf Creek Inn. You might just encounter a ghost or two while exploring this historic site!
