By Jackson Smith
Staff Writer

Be prepared to be scared when attending Fear PDX, one of Portland’s biggest haunted house attractions during the year’s spookiest months. Don’t hesitate to join the fright as this limited event runs from late September through Nov. 2.

There are five featured Haunted Houses, five Spine-Tingling Scare Zones, along with two Nightmarish bonus Mini-Haunts. Ticket prices will run you $28.99-$39.99 for general admission. If you’re feeling like a very important poltergeist however, VIP tickets will cost $38.99-$69.99, allowing participants to skip the line and get right into action. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and time.

The attraction is located in Northeast Portland in the Montavilla area. Finding parking for this event isn’t bad, there is a large parking lot as well as street parking.

Clown scare actor standing in a Spine-Tingling Scare Zone. Photos by Jackson Smith

Walking up to the attraction, I was greeted by a long line of people waiting for their scare accompanied by a worker laying out the ground rules for the event. On this particular night there was a thunderstorm warning in the area, which was evident with the damp guests. The rain added a misty effect in the air, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

While waiting in line some of the scare actors wandered around, keeping guests entertained in the cold rain; both lifting and scaring the daylights out of our spirits. Some of the makeup and costume design was a bit lackluster, allowing you to see some skin around the eyes and mouth; bald caps peeking through under wigs. This took away slightly from the fear factor, bringing you back to reality a bit.

One guest, Aura Espinoza, commented on the actors’ wardrobe, saying, “I think the actors should have gotten better wigs. Like real wigs, because you can tell how they’re very fake.”

The actors tried their best to keep guests entertained while waiting in line, especially trying to get some giggles out of the kids. Unfortunately their efforts turned some to annoyance after having to wait in the cold rain, watering down some of the potential scares that were to follow.

After getting to the first house, you’re greeted with actors to pose with for a photo. You get two photos taken with your group, then given a card with a QR code, which you can scan to access your photos online, or at a concessions booth. If you want to keep your photos, they will cost a fee of $20.

Entrance to the first haunted house.

The first haunted house takes place in an extraterrestrial alien-like world, full of disfigured creatures jumping out at every corner. Immediately following is an abandoned mansion full of angered spirits trying to push you out of their home. The third house takes on an ancient evil theme featuring mummies and zombies chasing you through the narrow hallways and into the next fright. Near the end you’re met with a factory full of clowns with frightening laughs echoing through the corridors. Those brave enough to make it to the end must venture through a corn maze, ending with a chainsaw murderer preventing any escape. This is one of the scariest parts of the houses, easily bringing out screams from frightened guests.

If you survive the haunted houses, you’re met with five Spine-Tingling Scare Zones. Including a new cast of actors, these zones allow you a small break from running for your life, as you can progress through them at your leisure.

If you need to chicken out, you’re more than welcome to walk out and enter the main grounds. To cool down there are some small games to play, as well as concessions. Food choices consist of popcorn, corn dogs, pretzels, mini churros, donuts, and a variety of sodas and water to cleanse your pallet. The prices range from $1.50-$5.

Scare actor interacting with guests in a Spine-Tingling Scare Zone.

While the houses were scary, some of the design lacked and took away from some of the experience. Another guest, Sarah Agan commented on the overall set design of Fear PDX, saying “I could see pockets in the walls and curtains, and I was like ‘Okay, I guess I’ll try to prepare myself’, but I found myself not getting as scared because of that. At the start when we were in the line, [the actors] did a good job entertaining people. I feel like the ones in the houses tried their best.”

Experience a terrifying night with friends and family, or even use them as a human shield to save yourself. To snag your tickets now, visit FearPDX, and book yourself an evening full of cheap snacks, frightening sights, and screams galore.