Walking through the Pacific Northwest’s historic cemeteries feels like stepping into a living history book. These sacred grounds hold the stories of legendary martial artists, pioneering families, war heroes, and the visionaries who shaped our region.
From Seattle’s famous Lake View Cemetery to Portland’s ancient Lone Fir, each burial ground offers a unique glimpse into the past and the remarkable people who called the PNW home.
1. Lake View Cemetery — Seattle, WA
Standing atop Capitol Hill since 1872, this cemetery draws visitors from around the world seeking one particular grave. Bruce Lee, the martial arts legend who revolutionized action cinema, rests here alongside his son Brandon, creating a pilgrimage site for fans.
Princess Angeline, daughter of Chief Seattle, also calls this place home. Her weathered headstone tells the story of a bridge between two worlds during Seattle’s early days.
Walking these winding paths, you’ll discover the graves of Seattle’s founding families like the Mercers and Yeslers, whose names still grace city streets today.
2. Evergreen Washelli Cemetery — Seattle, WA
Sprawling across 144 acres, this memorial park serves as Seattle’s largest final resting place and a tribute to military service. Thousands of white headstones create orderly rows honoring veterans from every major American conflict since the Civil War.
Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, the legendary Marine Corps fighter ace and Medal of Honor recipient, found his final landing here. His exploits leading the Black Sheep Squadron became the stuff of both history and Hollywood legend.
Beyond military heroes, prominent Seattle families chose these peaceful grounds, making it a who’s who of Pacific Northwest history.
3. Lone Fir Cemetery — Portland, OR
Since 1855, this 30-acre sanctuary has welcomed Portland’s departed, making it one of Oregon’s oldest continuously operating cemeteries. Ancient Douglas firs tower over weathered headstones, creating a natural cathedral that speaks to centuries of stories.
Dr. J.C. Hawthorne, founder of Oregon Hospital for the Insane, rests among these trees. His legacy lives on in the bustling Hawthorne Boulevard that bears his name.
A historic Chinese section preserves the memory of early Asian immigrants who helped build Portland. Monthly tours reveal fascinating tales of pioneers, dreamers, and the forgotten voices of Oregon’s past.
4. River View Cemetery — Portland, OR
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Willamette River, this Victorian garden cemetery has provided peaceful views since 1882. Rolling green lawns dotted with elaborate monuments create an outdoor museum of Portland’s golden age.
Henry Weinhard, the German immigrant who made Portland synonymous with great beer, sleeps beneath these ancient oaks. His brewing legacy helped define the city’s culture for generations.
Simon Benson, the lumber baron and philanthropist, also rests here. Every time Portlanders sip from the iconic Benson Bubblers downtown, they’re experiencing his lasting gift to the city he loved.
5. Salem Pioneer Cemetery — Salem, OR
Established in 1853, this hallowed ground earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places through the remarkable stories etched in stone. Oregon Trail wagon ruts practically led to these gates, where exhausted pioneers finally found rest.
Tabitha Moffatt Brown, known as the “Mother of Oregon,” lies here surrounded by the legacy she helped create. At age 66, she crossed the treacherous trail and went on to establish Pacific University.
Early legislators, missionaries, and countless brave souls who shaped Oregon’s destiny chose this peaceful spot. Their weathered headstones read like chapters from a frontier adventure novel.
6. Fort Vancouver Military Cemetery — Vancouver, WA
Within the shadow of historic Fort Vancouver, this military cemetery stands as a testament to the Pacific Northwest’s earliest American military presence. Soldiers who served at one of the region’s oldest Army posts found their final duty station here.
Civil War veterans and Indian Wars fighters rest in neat rows, their service spanning the tumultuous decades when the frontier was anything but peaceful. Each headstone represents a life dedicated to defending the expanding nation.
Still maintained by the U.S. Army today, this active heritage site connects visitors directly to the military history that helped shape Washington Territory into the state we know.
7. Tacoma Cemetery — Tacoma, WA
Opening its gates in 1875, this Victorian garden cemetery transformed a hillside into an elegant memorial park where Tacoma’s most influential citizens found eternal rest. Winding paths lead visitors through carefully planned landscapes that rival any botanical garden.
Thea Foss, the Norwegian immigrant who built a maritime empire, rests among towering rhododendrons. Her tugboat business inspired the beloved “Tugboat Annie” stories that captivated Depression-era America.
Charles Wright, an early civic leader who helped shape Tacoma’s identity, also calls these grounds home. The cemetery’s Victorian charm and stunning views continue attracting visitors seeking both history and tranquility.
8. Chief Seattle’s Grave — Suquamish Cemetery, Suquamish, WA
On the Port Madison Indian Reservation, a simple grave holds profound significance for the entire Pacific Northwest. Chief Seattle, the Suquamish and Duwamish leader whose name graces Washington’s largest city, rests in the land his people called home for centuries.
Born around 1786, Chief Sealth witnessed the complete transformation of his homeland from pristine wilderness to bustling frontier. His diplomatic skills helped navigate the complex relationships between Native peoples and incoming settlers.
Interpretive signs surrounding his marked grave tell the story of a leader who bridged two worlds. Visitors often leave small tokens of respect at this humble yet historically monumental site.
9. IOOF Pioneer Cemetery — Eugene, OR
Established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this cemetery preserves the memory of Eugene’s founding father and countless Oregon Trail families who chose the Willamette Valley as their promised land. Ancient headstones tell stories of incredible journeys and new beginnings.
Eugene Skinner, the city’s namesake and founder, rests beneath towering firs he might have seen as a young pioneer. His ferry crossing and early settlement grew into the vibrant university town we know today.
Walking these quiet paths, visitors encounter the graves of families who endured months of hardship crossing the continent. Their simple markers represent the courage and determination that built Oregon from wilderness dreams.
10. Greenwood Memorial Terrace — Spokane, WA
Cascading down a hillside dotted with impressive mausoleums and old-growth trees, Spokane’s oldest major cemetery has welcomed the city’s departed since the late 1800s. Granite monuments rise like silent sentinels among towering pines and ancient oaks.
James N. Glover, known as the “Father of Spokane,” found his final resting place among the rolling lawns he helped envision. His real estate ventures and city planning efforts transformed a frontier outpost into eastern Washington’s largest city.
Mining-era pioneers and influential families who built Spokane’s early economy rest in elaborate tombs that showcase the wealth and ambition of the Inland Empire’s golden age.
