Wolf Creek Inn, located in Josephine County, Oregon, is the oldest continuously operating inn in the Pacific Northwest. Built in 1883, the inn was designed in the Classical Revival architectural style. It served as a refuge for travelers along the Applegate Trail. The inn was originally known as Wolf Creek Tavern and was constructed for Henry Smith, a local entrepreneur.
Historical Significance
Cultural Impact: It is notable for being the place where author Jack London completed his novel Valley of the Moon.
Hollywood Connection: The inn became a retreat for early Hollywood actors, including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Orson Welles, who sought solace from the film industry.
Recognition and Preservation
National Register of Historic Places: The inn was added to the National Register in 1972 and was acquired by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in 1975.
Restoration: Between 1975 and 1979, the inn underwent restoration to preserve its historical charm.
Current Operations
Today, Wolf Creek Inn operates as a state heritage site, offering nine guest rooms, a restaurant, and self-guided tours. It remains a popular destination for those interested in history and paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly encounters adding to its allure.
The Wolf Creek Inn is known for its haunted reputation, with reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and moving objects. Many guests have experienced strange occurrences, particularly in room eight, which is said to have the most paranormal activity. Guests and staff have experienced various unexplained phenomena, including:
Hearing a young lady’s voice when no one is present
Sounds of piano music and doors slamming
Objects moving or disappearing, such as a baking pan that has reportedly flown across the kitchen floor
Notable Ghostly Spots
Room eight is particularly noted for paranormal activity, with many guests claiming to have felt a strong presence there. While some perceive the hauntings as sinister, many others view them as friendly mischief.
