A young girl died in the Brookdale Lodge’s signature creek

The Haunted History of the Brookdale Lodge

Nestled amidst the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Brookdale Lodge stands as one of California’s most enigmatic and haunted establishments. Built in 1870, the lodge has earned a reputation not just for its rustic charm but for the spectral guests who seem to refuse to check out. With a history rich in glamour, tragedy, and mystery, the Brookdale Lodge is a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Its haunted reputation has made it a legend in its own right, drawing attention from ghost hunters and folklorists eager to uncover its eerie secrets.

A Storied Past

Originally constructed as a humble inn, the Brookdale Lodge rose to prominence in the 1920s when it was purchased by Dr. F. K. Camp. Camp transformed the lodge into a luxurious resort that became a favorite destination for Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and socialites. The lodge’s iconic Brook Room, with a natural brook running through its center, served as the centerpiece of the resort and symbolized its integration with nature. The

During its heyday, the Brookdale Lodge was synonymous with opulence and leisure. It was a place where the rich and famous could retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Some notable guests include Herbert Hoover, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, Howard Hughes, Joan Crawford, Henry Ford, and Hedy Lamarr. However, beneath its glamorous veneer lay a darker, more sinister side. Over the decades, the lodge became the site of numerous tragedies, scandals, and unexplained events that have contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in California. Since it’s heyday, the Brookdale Lodge has become a bit outdated and run down.

Tragic Deaths and Hauntings

One of the most well-known spirits said to haunt the Brookdale Lodge is that of Sarah Logan, the niece of Dr. Camp. Legend has it that Sarah, a young girl, tragically drowned in the brook that runs through the Brook Room. While accounts of her death vary—some say she slipped and fell into the water, while others suggest foul play—her spirit is believed to linger at the lodge. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a young girl dressed in white, often appearing near the brook or in the nearby corridors. Her ghostly laughter and the sound of running footsteps are said to echo through the lodge, especially during quiet evenings.

Sarah’s tragic story is just one of many associated with the lodge. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Brookdale Lodge underwent a period of ownership under a reputed mobster named Albert “Al” Sebring. Under Sebring’s management, the lodge was rumored to have become a hub for illicit activities, including gambling, bootlegging, and possibly even murder. The notorious “Brook Room Mafia” is said to have conducted secretive operations in the lodge’s hidden passageways and underground tunnels, many of which remain unexplored to this day.

Several guests and staff members have claimed to encounter shadowy figures in these hidden spaces. Cold spots, disembodied voices, and the sensation of being watched are common occurrences reported in these areas. Some believe the spirits of those who met untimely deaths during the lodge’s mobster era are still trapped within its walls.

Paranormal Phenomena

The lodge’s reputation for paranormal activity is not limited to specific rooms or areas. The entire property is said to be teeming with unexplained phenomena. Some of the most frequently reported experiences include:

The Brook Room Apparitions

Guests have described seeing apparitions near the brook, including a woman in a flowing dress who appears to be searching for something—or someone. Some speculate she may be Sarah Logan’s grieving mother or another victim tied to the lodge’s dark history.

The Fireside Room

Known for its cozy ambiance, the Fireside Room is also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Witnesses have reported the smell of perfume wafting through the room, objects moving on their own, and even the apparition of a woman sitting by the fire.

The Hallway of Faces

One of the lodge’s most chilling features is a hallway where guests have reported seeing ghostly faces appear in mirrors and windows. These faces are often described as pale and expressionless, vanishing as quickly as they appear.

Room 46

Room 46 is notorious for being one of the most haunted spots in the lodge. Guests staying in this room have reported hearing whispers, seeing shadowy figures, and waking up to find objects in the room rearranged or missing. Some have even fled the room in the middle of the night, too frightened to stay.

Haunted Attractions and Investigations

The Brookdale Lodge has embraced its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours and paranormal investigations to those brave enough to explore its supernatural side. Over the years, several paranormal teams and television shows have investigated the lodge, documenting eerie phenomena such as electromagnetic field fluctuations, unexplained noises, and temperature anomalies.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence captured during these investigations is a series of photographs showing orbs and mist-like figures in the Brook Room and other parts of the lodge. These images, combined with firsthand accounts from witnesses, have solidified the lodge’s status as a paranormal hotspot.

A Revival of Spirits

After a period of decline in the late 20th century, the Brookdale Lodge underwent renovations in recent years. The restoration aimed to preserve its historical charm while updating its facilities for modern visitors. Interestingly, many believe that these renovations have stirred up paranormal activity. It is a common belief among ghost hunters that construction work can disrupt the spirits tied to a location, leading to increased sightings and interactions.

Newer reports from visitors suggest that the spirits of the lodge are as active as ever. Guests have described feeling unseen hands touch their shoulders, hearing laughter or sobbing in empty rooms, and seeing lights flicker without explanation. For many, these experiences are not frightening but rather a testament to the lodge’s rich and layered history.

Local Legends and Folklore

The haunted history of the Brookdale Lodge is deeply entwined with local legends and folklore. Stories of ghostly encounters are passed down from generation to generation, with each retelling adding new layers of intrigue. Some locals claim that the lodge is built on sacred Native American land, which could explain the heightened paranormal activity. Others believe that the spirits are simply the echoes of the lodge’s tumultuous past, replaying scenes of tragedy and joy.

Why the Brookdale Lodge Endures

The allure of the Brookdale Lodge lies not only in its beauty and history but also in its mysteries. For over a century, it has been a place where the veil between the living and the dead seems unusually thin. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the lodge’s unique energy—a blend of natural serenity and supernatural intrigue.

Visitors continue to flock to the Brookdale Lodge, drawn by the promise of an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the chance to dine in the enchanting Brook Room, explore the lodge’s hidden passageways, or perhaps even encounter one of its resident ghosts, the Brookdale Lodge offers something for everyone. It stands as a reminder that history is never truly in the past, and some stories linger long after their final chapter.

In the end, the Brookdale Lodge is more than just a haunted hotel—it’s a living, breathing monument to California’s history, a place where the past and present coexist in ways both beautiful and eerie. For those who dare to visit, the Brookdale Lodge offers a glimpse into a world where the line between the natural and the supernatural is tantalizingly blurred.