A photographer has detailed the creepiest encounters he has had while filming in remote locations.
Award-winning landscape photographer Chris Fabregas, based in Bellevue, Washington, is known for capturing the beauty of nature, but he also claims to have experienced some paranormal events while traveling over the years.
From hearing distant whispers in the Cascade Mountains to feeling chills outside an abandoned former federal prison on McNeil Island in Washington state, Chris opened up about his spookiest adventures, just in time for Halloween.
While visiting an abandoned train tunnel at Stevens Pass in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, Chris claims he experienced some ghostly occurrences that made his blood run cold.
Speaking to FEMAIL, he explained: “It was the middle of winter, I had all my camera equipment with me: extra batteries, memory cards and a tripod.
‘I was ready to photograph the outside of an old abandoned train tunnel in the snow.
Award-winning landscape photographer Chris Fabregas, based in Bellevue, Washington, detailed the creepiest encounters he’s had while filming in remote locations.
“Temperatures were below freezing and light snow had just started to fall as I walked through the canyon to the location and set up my shot.
‘Just as I was about to take the photo, my camera went off.
I turned it back on, set everything up again, and then heard what sounded like distant whispers.
“At first I thought it was the wind, but little by little the whispers became louder.
‘Before I knew it, they felt like they were right next to me.
“Then I smelled an overwhelming aroma of perfume, it was extremely strong and there was no doubt about this smell.
‘As quickly as the whispers appeared, they faded, sounding like they were passing by me or even through me and into the distance.
‘I tried to forget about it and thought maybe I was hearing things.
Chris is known for capturing the beauty of nature, but also claims to have experienced some paranormal events while traveling over the years (pictured at British Columbia waterfall).
Chris went into detail about a time when he really felt like his life might be in danger during a photography trip to Grand Teton National Park (pictured).
‘Once again I prepared for the photo, and this time my camera stayed on, but no matter how many times I pressed the shutter button, it didn’t take the photo.
“I tried again and again, but nothing worked.”
Chris said he felt “frustrated” and thought his camera was broken, so he ended up walking back to his car.
He added: “When I got to my parking spot by the river, I decided to test the camera one more time. It worked perfectly, without any problems.
‘A few months later, I read a story about that same old abandoned train tunnel.
‘It turns out it was near the site of the largest passenger train accident in American history.
‘On March 1, 1910, two trains were swept into the canyon by an avalanche that killed 96 people. I haven’t been back since.
While visiting an abandoned train tunnel in Stevens Pass in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, Chris says he experienced some ghostly happenings that made his blood run cold (pictured, Old Train Tunnel).
Chris said one of the creepiest places he’s ever been is an abandoned former federal prison on McNeil Island in Washington state.
He said: “I never went in, but just seeing it from the outside was definitely enough to give me chills.”
‘This place is completely isolated, it’s on an island that can only be reached by boat, which already makes it feel a little creepy.
‘The prison seems to be frozen in time. It is old and run down, with rusty fences and crumbling walls.
‘You can see an old baseball field with overgrown bushes.
‘You can tell it has been abandoned for a long time. There is something haunting about it, you can feel the history of all the people who were once there. Some of the toughest criminals in the world were sent there.
‘What really affected me was the isolation. It’s strange to think how isolated those prisoners must have felt from the world, surrounded only by water.
‘You can see the mainland and Mount Rainier in the distance, which is a beautiful sight. However, even from a distance, standing there and looking at it, I couldn’t shake this strange feeling that the place still carries the weight of everything that happened there. It is a place I will not forget.”
Chris went into detail about a time when he really felt like his life might be in danger during a photography trip.
He said: ‘I was hiking alone in Grand Teton National Park. I started my hike at 4am to reach the top of the mountain by sunrise.
“It was pitch black, there was a bit of fog in the air, and all I had to guide me was a headlamp. As I walked down the trail, I noticed something large moving in the bushes ahead. I stopped to collect my thoughts and find out what it was, and just at that moment, from the undergrowth, a huge bear appeared.
While hiking alone in Grand Teton National Park (pictured), Chris encountered a bear and feared for his life.
Speaking of a place he would love to visit again, Chris said the highlight for him was Yosemite National Park (pictured).
‘We looked into each other’s eyes for what seemed like an eternity. I stood there as we stared. Fortunately, after what seemed like an eternity, he decided to move on. But in that moment, being completely alone in the dark, I never felt so helpless. “It was one of the scariest moments I’ve ever had outdoors.”
Speaking of a place he would love to visit again, Chris said the highlight for him was Yosemite National Park.
He said: ‘There is something special about this place that stays with you long after visiting. The size of the cliffs, the waterfalls and the tranquility of the valley floor are astonishing.
‘I remember standing in the middle of the park, looking at El Capitan and feeling so small. There you can’t help but feel connected to nature. There’s still so much more I want to explore and no matter how many times I go, I feel like Yosemite always has something new to show.’
Chris revealed that the Britannia Mine in British Columbia, Canada, is a great destination recommendation for thrill seekers.
He explained: ‘It is an old copper mine with a long history. It was once one of the largest mines in the British Empire.
‘The mine’s eerie tunnels and abandoned buildings are perfect for anyone fascinated by history and the thrill of exploring the unknown.
‘They even offer underground tours, where you can ride a mining train and experience the small space first-hand. I hope you’re not claustrophobic.
‘Also, while you are in the British Columbia area and the Vancouver area they are awesome. It is a perfect place for hiking, exploring nature and capturing stunning photographs. You can balance the eerie with some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.’
