The Oregon Vortex is a roadside attraction in Gold Hill, Oregon notable for its apparent paranormal properties which are caused by a fascinating and convincing optical illusion.

A gold assay office built there in 1890 slid from its foundation, coming to rest at an odd angle. Visitors to the structure subconsciously assume that its walls are vertical and its floor level, since those rules apply to every other building they have visited. This erroneous assumption provides the illusion of a localized gravity anomaly, as objects seem to roll uphill or balance at odd angles. The same phenomenon is demonstrated in Pennsylvania's Laurel Caverns.

Visitors to the Oregon Vortex assume a posture that inclines toward magnetic north and hence cannot stand erect. Contrary to the laws of perspective, a second person will appear taller as he walks towards magnetic south. Balls roll uphill and brooms stand on end. Some people even find relief there for back pain; others become dizzy. The "paranormal events," since they are an optical illusion, are faithfully preserved in photographs, something considered remarkable by paranormal researchers.

Many believers claim that the site is truely paranormal. It is said to be at the intersection of ley lines, at the boundary of geomagnetic fields, and in an actual gravity anomaly. The effects are said to be strongest when the moon is full.

External links

• New York Times Travel Section Article
• Oregonvortex.com