We finally got our chance to visit The Witch’s Castle. It was a grey Sunday with off and on rain drizzles when Tonya and I set out to visit the so-called Witch’s Castle in Forest Park. We drove the half hour from Vancouver to the upper Macleay parking lot near the Audubon Society. From there it is a half-mile hike to the Witch’s Castle.
The short hike descends into a forested ravine and then follows a picturesque creek to the Witch’s Castle. There’s a couple of nice spots along the creek for a selfie or two. When we arrived at the Witch’s Castle I was surprised by how much graffiti covered the structure. And I also imagined that the stone ruins were much larger than what they were. Needless to say, it made for some nice photos and it was a nice day for a short hike.
The Legend of the Witch’s Castle
Like many places tucked deep within old forests, the Witch’s Castle comes with its share of eerie stories. One of the most popular legends tells of a man who lived in the area in the 1800s, rumored to have practiced dark magic. According to the tale, he was driven out by locals who feared his supposed powers, and tragedy followed soon after. Over time, whispers of curses, hauntings, and strange happenings began to surround the site. Visitors have claimed to feel an unsettling presence, especially on quiet, misty days much like the one we experienced. Whether fueled by imagination or something more, the legend adds a layer of mystery that makes the visit even more intriguing.
The Truth Behind the Witch’s Castle
Despite the spooky nickname, the Witch’s Castle has a far less supernatural origin. The stone structure is actually the remains of an old restroom building constructed in the 1930s as part of a park development project. It was built using local stone and designed to blend naturally with the surrounding forest. However, after a major storm caused significant damage in the 1960s, the building was abandoned and left to the elements. Over the years, moss, graffiti, and decay transformed it into the atmospheric ruin visitors see today. While it may not have a magical past, its secluded location and crumbling walls certainly make it feel like something out of a storybook.
Directions to the Witch’s Castle
If you’re planning your own visit, getting there is fairly straightforward. The most popular starting point is the Upper Macleay Trailhead in Forest Park, located near the Audubon Society. There is a small parking area, but it can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea. From the trailhead, follow the Lower Macleay Trail downhill for about half a mile. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, winding through lush forest and alongside Balch Creek. Keep an eye out for trail signs, and before long, you’ll come across the stone ruins tucked just off the main path.
Destination: Portland’s Witch’s Castle (use in GPS)
Lower Macleay Park Trailhead
2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR
This is the easiest and most common access point.
Coming North on I-5 (from Salem / Eugene)
- Take exit toward I-405 / US-26 West (Beaverton)
- Merge onto I-405 North
- Take exit for US-30 W / NW Vaughn St
- Follow signs to NW Thurman St
- Continue west on NW Thurman
- Turn right onto NW 30th Ave
- Follow to the end → you’ll reach Lower Macleay Park
- Park here.
- From the trailhead, it’s about a 0.7–0.8 mile easy hike to the Witch’s Castle
🚗 Coming South on I-5 (from Vancouver, WA)
- Take exit for I-405 South
- Follow I-405 and take exit for US-30 W / NW Vaughn St
- Continue to NW Thurman St
- Head west on Thurman
- Turn right on NW 30th Ave
- Drive to the end → Lower Macleay Park
Alternate (Faster / Shorter Walk)
If you want the shortest hike (~10–15 minutes):
👉 Park near Upper Macleay / Audubon Society (NW Cornell Rd)
- Short ~0.5 mile downhill walk to the castle
What to Expect After Parking
- Trail is wide, easy, and beginner-friendly
- Walk follows Balch Creek through forest
- Total hike: 10–20 minutes depending on route
Pro Tips (Local Knowledge)
Lower Macleay = easier parking but slightly longer walk
- Upper Macleay = shorter hike but parking fills FAST
- No direct car access — you must hike in
- Go early morning or weekday to avoid crowds