Candlelit Ghost Hunt at Colfax Historic Hospital: Six-Floor Night Investigation

Read the full experience

Colfax, Washington’s Late Night - Candle Light guided investigation transforms a 50,000-square-foot historic hospital into an evening of quiet forensic curiosity. Located at 1009 S Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111, this two-hour, candlelit walk explores all six floors of the main building with battery candles, EMP-style REMPods, audio recorders, and K2 meters. The format is largely a sit-and-listen investigation: guides lead you through long corridors, former wards, stairwells and administrative rooms while guests monitor instruments and watch for anomalies. The hospital’s scale is the first thing that strikes you. The tour threads through institutional rooms and extended hallways that hold original institutional fabric—brick masonry, plaster walls, and the echo of century-old footsteps—creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts architectural study and applied parapsychology. That blend of physical space and investigative gear sets this experience apart in eastern Washington; it’s rare to find a guided, equipment-supported exploration that covers six full stories in a compact town setting. Practically, the operation runs like a focused field lab. Organizers provide battery candles and handheld electronics, so participants arrive ready to observe rather than supply gear. Expect to use REMPods that respond to movement and electromagnetic fluctuation, K2 meters to log spikes, and recorders to capture EVPs during sit-and-listen sessions. Tours emphasize respectful behavior, historical signage inside the hospital, and a strict no-intoxication policy to protect safety and data quality. Why go? Beyond a strong chance of an uncanny moment, the tour offers concentrated historical context, a physical walkthrough of a large-scale institutional structure, and a communal method for testing phenomena. It’s an evening activity that doubles as cultural archaeology—read the on-site historical signs and you’ll leave with a better sense of how the building functioned and why its echoes linger. Who it’s for: curious skeptics, amateur investigators, photographers drawn to chiaroscuro interiors, and small groups comfortable climbing multiple flights of stairs. Not recommended for anyone requiring extensive mobility accommodations unless disclosed in advance. Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, a jacket for cool interior temperatures, a notebook for observations, and a charged phone for logistics (photography during the tour is subject to guide direction). Meet at 1009 S Mill St in Colfax for check-in. The tour’s mixture of methodical investigation and atmospheric setting makes it a standout night option when you’re exploring the Palouse region—an urban-ruin-style adventure that’s equal parts museum visit and hands-on experiment. Booking is through a secure online calendar; review accessibility and age guidance before you reserve. Tours operate after dusk and can feel chilly—dress in layers and allow extra time for parking near the historical block around S Mill Street. If you have specific questions about equipment or mobility, contact the operator listed at the meeting point prior to arrival.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Able to walk and stand for extended periods and climb multiple flights of stairs; not suitable for those with severe mobility limits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meeting location?

Meet at 1009 S Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111 for check-in prior to the investigation.

How long is the tour?

The guided candlelight investigation runs approximately two hours and covers all six floors of the main building.

Are investigation tools provided?

Yes—battery candles, REMPods, audio recorders, and K2 meters are provided for the sit-and-listen format.

Is there an age minimum?

Age guidance is not listed in the description; check the booking page or contact the operator if you have questions about children or minors.

Can I bring a camera?

Photography may be allowed but is subject to guide direction to avoid disrupting the investigation—ask at check-in.

Are intoxicated people allowed?

No—there is a strict no-intoxication policy for safety and to protect investigation integrity.

Local insights

Wildlife

White-tailed or mule deer
Red-tailed hawk

History

The investigation takes place inside a 50,000-square-foot historic hospital building with six floors and on-site historical signage that outlines the site’s institutional past.

Conservation

Tours emphasize respectful use of the building and minimal impact—avoid touching fragile fabric, leave no trace in interior spaces, and follow guide instructions to preserve historic features.

About St. Ignatius Hospital

St. Ignatius Hospital in Colfax, Washington, is a historic multi-floor property repurposed for paranormal investigations and public tours. The building offers a variety of curated experiences—public ghost hunts, private investigations, day tours, and themed night roams—across six floors and roughly 50,000 square feet of interior space. Booking options include short public hunts designed for 10–15 participants, private investigations that allow groups of up to 10 to rent the entire facility, and a specialized haunted-hotel exploration focused on the site’s 1893 hotel and boarding house history. Each experience provides equipment or access to ghost-hunting tools such as K2 meters, SLS cameras, and spirit boxes, and many events include live camera feeds and a heated base room for monitoring. Guided and self-guided formats are available; some investigations include volunteer guides or expert support while private bookings allow exclusive access and a dedicated base camp with up to eight camera feeds. Safety procedures and clear group limits are enforced for an intimate, controlled investigation environment. St. Ignatius Hospital appeals to guests seeking historical context, authentic atmosphere, and modern investigative tools while exploring reportedly haunted spaces. All descriptions and offerings reflect current public listings and on-site features for prospective visitors and investigators.

Base locationColfax, Washington

Tours offered9+

Specialtyland-adventures

Stewardship

Adventure tips

Expect multiple flights of stairsThe investigation covers six floors; wear shoes with good grip and be prepared to climb several sets of stairs.

No intoxication policyTours prohibit intoxicated participants to protect safety and data integrity—plan ahead if you’re attending with a group.

Bring a notebookRecord observations, timestamps, and instrument readings during sit-and-listen sessions to aid post-tour review.

Follow guide directions for photosPhotography may be permitted but is subject to guide instruction to avoid disrupting investigations and preserving atmosphere.

Recommended gear

Closed-toe hiking or work shoes: Provides stable footing on old stairways and uneven interior flooring.
Warm jacket or layers: Interior spaces can be cool after dusk; layering keeps you comfortable during sit-and-listen periods.
Notebook and pen: Useful for timestamping events, logging readings, and jotting observations for later review.
Headlamp or small flashlight (coverable red LED): Helpful for parking and walking to the meeting point; follow guide rules about lights during the tour.