Since 1998, Bastyr University has held an annual popular tradition in the forest behind the Bastyr campus. The community enjoys a Halloween extravaganza complete with mad scientists, witches, ghouls, goblins and so much more. Fully staged scenarios round every bend of the dark, spooky trail, offering fright delights for all ages. An estimated 5,000 guests dared to wander through the haunted forest at their own peril, led by other-worldly tour guides of all stripes. The event also offers special less scary options for families and younger children, including a milder "trick or treat" trail for little ones, as well as Halloween story time. New activities this year included Hades Labyrinth, a 2,400-square-foot maze, and Scarecrow's Tale Hayride, where travelers heard a spine-tingling ghost story while enjoying a hayride ride through the fields behind Bastyr University.
This huge annual fundraiser is produced entirely by dedicated volunteer teams of students, faculty and staff. Nearly eighty people each night are required to run the event which spans two weekends. Begun as an acupuncture and Oriental medicine fundraiser for Bastyr AOM students, all proceeds now support students who travel to study abroad in various programs. The student volunteers earn points for their service, establishing eligibility for various funding levels. Growing every year, it's the autumnal rite of passage for the entire Bastyr community. The greater Seattle area has also jumped on board, making Bastyr's Haunted Trails one of the most featured and popular Halloween activities around.
