ST. HELENS, Ore. – This October, Portlanders have a new way to experience the magic of Halloweentown—without the stress of parking. The Portland Spirit is launching The Ghostly Voyage, a seasonal cruise that sails directly to the Spirit of Halloweentown Festival in St. Helens.
A Festive Return by Water
After a successful trial run in 2024, the cruise will operate every Saturday and Sunday throughout October 2025. The idea was sparked when Portland Spirit staff realized that the St. Helens dock sits just steps away from the festival grounds.
“One of our captains mentioned the dock in St. Helens is right next to the festival,” explained Dennis Corwin, General Manager of Portland Spirit. “We quickly realized we had a unique opportunity on our hands with a world-class festival just steps away from the dock.”
The cruise provides a scenic—and practical—alternative to driving and battling for limited parking in St. Helens, where festival crowds often overwhelm available space.
Spooky Entertainment Onboard
The 1.5-hour cruise isn’t just about transportation. Passengers will be treated to storytelling and entertainment along the way. A guide will share eerie tales of Portland’s haunted history, including stories of the city’s underground tunnels, along with ghostly legends from St. Helens, such as the infamous Klondike Hotel.
Costumes are encouraged, adding to the festive atmosphere before passengers even reach the festival.
Exploring Spirit of Halloweentown
Upon arrival, riders will enjoy more than three hours at the Spirit of Halloweentown, a month-long celebration that draws thousands of visitors to St. Helens each year.
Highlights include the Big Halloweentown Parade, live entertainment, themed attractions, and photo ops in the very town where the classic Disney Channel movie Halloweentown was filmed 25 years ago.
“There is nothing quite like arriving by water into the real Halloweentown,” said Wela Negelspach, Director of Columbia County Tourism. “With the new St. Helens Riverfront setting the stage, visitors are invited to step ashore and wander a charming town steeped in the spellbinding spirit of the season. Costumes are encouraged. Magic guaranteed!”
A Hassle-Free Way to Celebrate
Parking in St. Helens during October can be a challenge, with thousands of visitors crowding into the small Columbia River town. The cruise eliminates that headache while adding an immersive layer of fun to the experience.
Festival-goers can step off the boat and right into the heart of the celebration, with no parking fees, traffic jams, or long walks from satellite lots.
A Tradition in the Making
With growing popularity, organizers hope the Ghostly Voyage will become a seasonal tradition for Portlanders seeking both convenience and Halloween thrills.
Whether it’s the haunting stories told on deck, the dramatic arrival by river, or the chance to skip the parking chaos altogether, this cruise offers a new way to experience one of Oregon’s most beloved fall traditions.
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