The Oregon Vortex is a place that’s been on my mind for decades—ever since I first walked through its tilted door as a little boy. Now, after countless trips back, it never ceases to leave me scratching my head, whether I’m laughing at my own height going rogue or watching others get totally baffled by the "laws of physics" not playing fair.

Located near Gold Hill, this iconic roadside attraction is centered around a strange, leaning building dubbed "The House of Mystery." Step inside, and you'll find that reality is… a little off. You stand on one end of a platform, and you might be towering over your friends—only to switch spots and shrink down as if you're suddenly auditioning for "Honey, I Shrunk the Tourists."

For those of you who are hardcore X-Files fans, you might already be familiar with this bizarre place. It was actually featured in a 1999 episode of the cult-classic TV show. Aside from the Sea Lion Caves, the Oregon Vortex stands out as one of Oregon's most successful roadside attractions.

The Oregon Vortex, known by Native Americans as Forbidden Ground, was a place to avoid. Their horses refused to enter the affected area, and the natives steered clear of it as well. In more recent times, The Oregonian covered an investigation where researchers attempted to ride horses through the site, but the horses stopped before reaching the Vortex and turned back.

In the early 1920s, a Scottish geologist and mining engineer named John Lister developed the area and opened it to the public in 1930. Lister, who passed away in 1959, conducted thousands of experiments at the Vortex during his lifetime. Since the 1930s, the site has attracted thousands of tourists, psychics, scientists, and curious onlookers, all intrigued by the unexplainable.

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Lister theorized that the property sits within a spherical force field, half above ground and half below, with a diameter of just under 165 feet. This force field is what he believed caused the strange occurrences at the Vortex.

Historically, the site was home to an assay shack built for the Old Grey Eagle Mining Company in 1904. At some point, a geological disruption—possibly a flood—knocked the shack off its foundation. To this day, it remains in the same spot, now sideways and half-collapsed. The strange appearance of the shack, as seen in photos, adds to the mystery of the Vortex.

I remember the first time I visited the Crooked House. It was one of those family road trip stops that parents throw in to break up hours of driving. As a kid, I was mesmerized by what felt like a magical forcefield distorting everything from my height to the angle at which I could stand without toppling over. It's fair to say the Vortex cast a spell on me that never quite wore off.

Now, as an adult, I haven’t had the chance to return, though I hope to go back sometime soon. In the meantime, I’ve been living vicariously through the endless stream of positive reviews and fun photos shared by recent visitors. It’s amazing to see how the place continues to captivate new generations, with many still walking away just as baffled as I was all those years ago. Even in the age of Google, where explanations abound, the photos and stories people share make it clear that standing in the middle of that inexplicable tilt is still an experience no article—or online search—can truly prepare you for. There’s something so… real about how unreal it feels.

The Science (or Lack Thereof)

You’ll hear all sorts of explanations about the Vortex. Some say it's a gravitational anomaly, others blame magnetism, and there are a few who will swear up and down that it’s the result of the earth's energy playing tricks on us. The official explanation? The place just messes with your brain, thanks to the angled ground and skewed perspectives that confuse your senses.

But even knowing that, how can you explain the feeling of physically shrinking or growing in front of someone’s eyes? Or the way some objects seem to roll uphill? The skeptics might say it’s all optical illusion—yet the laughter, gasps, and "Wait, what just happened?" from visitors is all too real.

Recent Reviews Speak for Themselves

While I may have been a wide-eyed little boy when I first discovered this place, it’s clear from recent reviews that others are still just as charmed today. One visitor said, “It’s totally bizarre! I swear I grew three inches, and I’ve got photos to prove it!” Another came in skeptical but left converted: “Came for the hoax, left feeling confused. This place is wild. I still don’t understand what happened in there.” It’s comforting to know that the magic I experienced as a kid is still alive and well, even though I haven’t had the chance to see it again in person.

Then there are the skeptics. One review simply read, “It’s all an optical illusion.” Well, sure. But standing in the Crooked House still makes you feel like reality is bending in on itself, and that’s something an explanation doesn’t take away. If anything, it adds to the charm. It’s like knowing the rabbit has been up the magician’s sleeve all along—but still getting caught up in the wonder of the trick.

Another recent review made me laugh out loud. "This place is the Bermuda Triangle of Oregon! You enter, and gravity just stops working. Don’t drop your phone, it might roll uphill!" Now that’s the kind of humor I appreciate—because it’s true. It feels like everything you think you know about the world is turned upside down… literally.

For the Skeptics: A Challenge

To the doubters reading this, I say: challenge accepted. Sure, there are logical explanations for the weird phenomena here, but I dare you to stand in the Vortex and not be bewildered, even just a little. And if nothing else, you'll get some great photos of yourself seemingly defying gravity. Whether you walk out a believer or not, you’ll still have a unique experience—and probably a few laughs along the way.

So if you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend adding the Oregon Vortex to your list of quirky places to visit in Oregon. Whether you come for the mystery, the science (or pseudo-science), or just to mess with your friends' minds, the Crooked House won’t disappoint. Just be prepared to leave a little more confused than when you arrived… and maybe a couple of inches taller.

Here's some helpful information if you're considering a trip to the Oregon Vortex. They are open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 5 PM during the summer, and from 9 AM to 4 PM starting Labor Day through the end of the season. Tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets available for purchase at the admissions window inside the gift shop.

Keep in mind that their hours may change due to weather conditions for the safety of guests and guides. It’s always a good idea to check their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oregonvortex) for the latest updates, especially during hot or smoky conditions.

While reservations aren’t needed for regular tours, they do offer private tours and area rentals for those looking for a more personalized experience. Whether it’s for a school group, family reunion, or some quiet time for photography, you can book a private tour by emailing [email protected] or calling 541-855-1543. Just make sure to reserve at least two weeks in advance.

The Oregon Vortex is located at 4303 Sardine Creek Left Fork Road, Gold Hill, Oregon, 97525-9732. If you’re coming from Bend, take US-20 W and OR-126 W to OR-138 W, then follow I-5 S to exit 40 toward Gold Hill. From Eugene, take I-5 S to exit 40 toward Gold Hill, and from Portland, follow I-5 S for about 230 miles to exit 40. After exiting, it’s just a short drive to the Oregon Vortex. Follow the signs for Sardine Creek Left Fork Road, and you’ll find yourself at this unique roadside attraction! Head over to their official website here for more.