Charles Crooks Leads Ghost Tours in Bellingham

The local paranormal enthusiast explores haunted history through guided tours in Fairhaven and downtown.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Paranormal

Bold vector editorial illustration of a vintage glowing lantern against dark brick, evoking the atmosphere of historic city ghost tours. — Charles Crooks operates Bellingham Ghost Tours, leading groups through the historic Fairhaven district to explore the city's supernatural folklore and past. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe guided ghost tours are a valuable way to learn about local history?

Since launching Bellingham Ghost Tours in 2023, Charles Crooks has offered residents a look into the city's haunted past. His tours explore locations like Sycamore Square and end at the Chuckanut Bay Distillery.

Why it matters

The business grew from a request by Kolby LaBree to address public curiosity regarding local history, death, and supernatural phenomena. These programs allow residents to engage with folklore surrounding notable landmarks like the Hotel Leo and Mount Baker Theater.

Charles Crooks conducts two ghost tours per week across Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham. The tour route in the four-story Sycamore Square building highlights historical accounts of the late Flora Blakely.

The players

Charles Crooks

A Bellingham resident and long-time tarot enthusiast who operates ghost tours and paranormal podcasts.

Kolby LaBree

A local resident who encouraged the creation of programming focused on death and hauntings.

Flora Blakely

A historical figure whose death is associated with the Sycamore Square building in Fairhaven.

The details

Crooks, who has been a tarot enthusiast for 20 years, utilizes an Ovilus to attempt to record electronic voice phenomena during his outings. His work also extends to the airwaves, where he produces the podcasts 'Chucked and Blessed' and 'Hey Ghost Hey'.

Charles Crooks moved to Bellingham in 2009.
Bellingham Ghost Tours launched in 2023.
Charles Crooks runs two ghost tours weekly.
Ghost tours occur daily during Halloween week.

Culture Shift

This venture follows the established regional trend of integrating local folklore into urban walking tours to drive interest in historical districts. Such programs reflect a broader societal shift toward experiential tourism that emphasizes local legacy and paranormal storytelling.

Residents can join scheduled tours to explore downtown landmarks or Fairhaven's Sycamore Square building. These experiences provide a practical way to learn about local history through the lens of documented folklore and paranormal interest.

The takeaway

Ghost tours offer a unique bridge between community history and popular interest in the supernatural. Participating in these tours provides residents with a deeper understanding of the myths embedded in local architecture.