Ghosthunting Oregon by Donna Stewart

Author:Donna Stewart
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781578605507
Publisher: Clerisy Press
Published: 2014-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

World War II Lookout Bunker

CHARLESTON

ONE OF THE REMAINING World War II lookout bunkers along the Oregon coast sits halfway atop a Shore Acres State Park trail on Cape Arago Highway. Across from the former home of timber magnate Louis Simpson, this area is filled with hiking paths for all levels of experience. Fortunately for me, the trail that leads to the bunker is moderate, and most can manage the uphill hike with little to no experience.

This World War II lookout bunker is nestled among Douglas fir and pine trees about a third of a mile into the trail. During the war, the old cement structure was just one link in a solid chain of lookout posts that were constructed to guard the Oregon coastline against enemy invasion. Time has taken its toll on this old building, but it still stands tall within the forest. Its roof is gone, but the walls and tall radar housings—which many people mistake for smokestacks—remain steadfast and almost majestic. The three rooms that make up the bunker are marred by graffiti and, often, the remnants of a night’s party. While the trees have had 80 years to grow and block the view of the horizon, it is easier than you may think to stand atop the bunker and imagine seeing the brilliant blue sea before you and experience what it must have felt like to know you were protecting your own hometown during a time of great crisis.

The southern Oregon coast is still home to many World War II veterans and their families, and children and grandchildren have grown up listening to war stories and, on occasion, ghost stories. Stories change, of course, when they are passed from generation to generation and shared with others, but the core of a tale usually remains the same. Ghost stories about the World War II lookout bunker are among those that have survived the generations, and it is not uncommon to run into fellow hikers on this trail who are also there to investigate them.

One particular hiker I encountered and spoke with explained that this was his third visit in as many weeks after he had an odd experience in the bunker. My curiosity was piqued and I gently urged him to share his experience with me. With a handshake, he introduced himself only as Don and his dog as Keno. Don explained in an almost hushed voice that his first visit there was uneventful until he was packing up to leave. As he heaved his backpack onto his shoulders, he heard a deep voice near his ear whisper “It’s safe.”

This was Don’s first experience with anything resembling the paranormal, so his departure that day was hurried. His subsequent visit a week later was similar. The surroundings were quiet as he waited—almost hoped—for another experience. Giving up after a few hours, he again prepared to leave and heard a voice similar to that which he had previously heard. “Stand down, man,” the voice, once again near his ear, said.

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