Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk in Portland
Portland, United States

Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk

Outty Ranking 54 3.5 · 2 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $30

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$30
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.5/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk worth booking?

Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk is a 1-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
3.5/5 (2)
Duration
1 hours
From
$30 per person

Whether it's the stories of human trafficking described as the Shanghai Tunnels, the origin of the vampire tales in Twilight, or the crafty madam with the floating brothel, from fiery deaths to watery graves, we explore

What you get

    About this experience

    Whether it's the stories of human trafficking described as the Shanghai Tunnels, the origin of the vampire tales in Twilight, or the crafty madam with the floating brothel, from fiery deaths to watery graves, we explore it all. The city of Portland Oregon was built on an ancient crossroads; known as a place to step into alternate worlds. What visit to the city would be complete without lifting the veil, for at least a minute, between the living and the spirit worlds? Weaving in historical tales with what fiction authors and filmmakers (including Twilight author Stephenie Meyer) with local ties have written about this place, we tell the stories of darkness, death and the liminal space that comes beyond. Our 1.5 mile (2.5 km) walking tour along the waterfront will include luminous views of the city lights along the river, encounters with our local corporeal spirits (the crows!), and plenty of recommendations to extend your gothic experience to restaurants, cafes and bars nearby.

    What's included

    Included

    • Guide will carry a lantern

    Not included

    • Gratuities for your dedicated guides

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hawthorne Bridge

      The oldest bridge structure in Portland has a much older history. We'll begin by learning about the bridges that came before the current 1910 structure was built; and the two disasters that befell people seeking to cross the turgid river, both near Halloween.

      15 minutes here

    2. Willamette River Walkway

      Why is Portland a place beloved by witches, goths, faeries and lovers of the macabre? Why are so many dark stories connected to the river? We'll investigate the history of the river itself; both geologic and the human interaction with the river, that goes back over 10,000 years, to answer the question of why so much is tied here.

      35 minutes here

    3. Ankeny Plaza

      WE STAY ABOVE GROUND on this tour! We will visit the part of the river where the Shanghai Tunnels exited the Old Town / Chinatown neighborhood, leading to stories of human trafficking both very old and very modern

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Portland

    We will meet by the benches next to the building with the big neon rose on top.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Our guides will be walking back toward recommended restaurants, so just ask for accompaniment if you need it.

    Options you can book

    • Ghosts of the Willamette River Waterfront Walking Tour

    • Ghosts summer late night

      Late night option in summer

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Around Portland Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    dark skies in twilight keep us guessing about the people who met their end herethe Japanese American Historical Plaza brings color to the city in autumn and springat night in the winter, crows roost by the thousands in the elms and maplesthe Salmon Street Springs covers up so much of the city's dark storythe sky carries memories of the lost

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Brian_S · April 2026

    Better read the fine print located in the "Itinerary" before booking this tour

    The heading is completely misleading and not at all what this tour was. Unless you click on the Itinerary (which not everyone does when booking a tour), you are not told that all this tour consists of is walking along the river for 500 - 600 feet and stopping 3 times along the straight path your on to hear stories that while you're being told the stories, you're also being told "we don't really know if any of this is true" I have spent a lot of money with Viator over the years and have done a lot of "ghost tours" which have always been worth it but to spend $30 per person to be told some stories that "may not have even happened" while walking in straight line along a river for an hour definitely was not worth the $120 I just spent for this tour.

    Response from the operator: Hi Brian! We’re getting this new product dialed in so I will be sure to remind our guides to meander a bit as I was unaware that the title made it seem like this was a non-straight tour. If it makes a difference, our guides are definitely queer, and I reviewed the route to see that our guide walked 1 mile before your outburst. We suggest eating or having a drink before the tour, as it seems that you were a bit on edge. Thanks for your feedback.

    via Viator

    Sheshali_W · March 2026

    Fun experience

    Interesting stories! Lovely riverside location. Definitely recommend to those who love to learn about local history/stories.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your company and your great review! It is an honor to share stories with a seasoned ghost and crime tour aficionado such as yourself :)

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $30 to $35
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)16
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)35
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.

    How much does Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk cost?

    +

    Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.

    Is Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Portland?

    +

    Portland's activity list is food cart and brewery crawls, Columbia River Gorge waterfall tours to Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood day trips and Willamette Valley pinot tastings. Gorge tours vary in how many falls they reach, so route detail is the deciding factor. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour, Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Portland?

    +

    June to October for the Gorge, with waterfalls at their fullest in spring. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Portland?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Stories of Shanghai Tunnels and Ghosts of the Willamette Walk.

    Pick your date