Witch's Castle
An abandoned stone structure on a scenic trail, known for its mysterious aura and vibrant graffiti.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Witch's Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An abandoned stone structure on a scenic trail, known for its mysterious aura and vibrant graffiti.
"The path to Witch’s Castle feels like the beginning of a tale… just a short half-mile walk."
🚫 Leave No Trace
Please respect the site; avoid adding graffiti to preserve its unique charm.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be damp and have water runoff, so good footwear is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone Structure
Lower Macleay Trail
An eerie, roofless stone building nestled in dense woods, covered in vibrant graffiti.
Lower Macleay Trail
Forest Park
A scenic half-mile walk alongside a babbling stream, leading to the mysterious Witch's Castle.
Forest Park Scenery
Forest Park
Lush, dense woodland surrounds the trail, offering a sense of stepping into another world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Respect
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Leave No Trace
Please respect the site; avoid adding graffiti to preserve its unique charm.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be damp and have water runoff, so good footwear is recommended.
Witch's Castle area help
📸 Photo Opportunities
Perfect for spooky or artistic photos, especially with the graffiti and forest backdrop.
🚗 Ample Parking
Several parking lots are available, making access convenient.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Leave No Trace
Please respect the site; avoid adding graffiti to preserve its unique charm.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be damp and have water runoff, so good footwear is recommended.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Perfect for spooky or artistic photos, especially with the graffiti and forest backdrop.
🚗 Ample Parking
Several parking lots are available, making access convenient.
🍌 Banana Slug Spotting
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, like the fascinating banana slugs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Witch's Castle a charming and atmospheric destination, with the scenic hike along the stream being a major highlight. While the graffiti adds to its unique character for some, others feel it detracts from the natural beauty. The easy accessibility and picturesque setting make it a popular choice for a short outdoor excursion.
"The path to Witch’s Castle feels like the beginning of a tale…just a short half-mile walk, with the trail dipping down as if leading you into another world. When the stone walls of the castle appear, covered in layers of graffiti, it doesn’t feel ruined but it feels alive, like the forest and time have been painting it together. The colors make it eerie and mysterious, as though the castle keeps secrets whispered in the moss. Perfect for wandering with a sense of curiosity… or staging a Halloween photo shoot straight out of a ghost story. Bonus: we found a banana slug on the trail !"
Thu L.
"The "witches castle" is cool, but honestly even the walk to it and around it is just beautiful. A lovely little stream running along the trail. The trail has a few spots the had water runoff over it but other than that the trail was very decent. Also, lots of parking.. I think I saw 3 or 4 different lots."
Valerie Krienke
"We took the shorter 0.5 mile hike from the Upper Macleay parking lot. Awesome hike, would have been a short hike but we kept stopping to take photos and enjoy the views. The Witch's Castle itself was so cool and there were friendly people around just enjoying the day."
Golden Days
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular access point is the Lower Macleay Trailhead in Forest Park, Portland. You can also hike from the Upper Macleay parking lot for a slightly shorter route. The drive through the surrounding neighborhoods is also quite scenic.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots available, particularly near the Upper Macleay Trailhead. Visitors have noted ample parking, making it easy to access the trails.
The hike from the Upper Macleay parking lot is a short, approximately 0.5-mile walk. It's considered easy and scenic, following a lovely stream.
No, the hike is generally considered easy and suitable for most ages. It's a short, pleasant walk through the woods.
No, the Witch's Castle is only accessible by foot via hiking trails within Forest Park. You'll need to park and walk in.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit the Witch's Castle. It's located within Forest Park, which is free to enter.
Forest Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The Witch's Castle is an outdoor ruin, so it's accessible during daylight hours.
No, Forest Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the Witch's Castle is free.
While the park is technically open, visiting the Witch's Castle at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours.
The main restriction is to respect the site and avoid adding graffiti. Stick to marked trails and be mindful of the natural environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that enhances the atmosphere. Weekday mornings can offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Absolutely! The eerie atmosphere, graffiti, and woodland setting make it a perfect spot for spooky or Halloween-themed photoshoots.
Graffiti art, moody forest shots, and architectural details of the stone structure are popular subjects. It's a great location for urban exploration photography.
Drone usage in Portland parks is generally restricted. It's best to check current regulations with Portland Parks & Recreation before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the structure and its surroundings. A camera with good low-light performance can be helpful if visiting during dimmer parts of the day.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The Witch's Castle is an abandoned, roofless stone structure located on the Lower Macleay Trail in Portland's Forest Park. It's known for its mysterious ambiance and graffiti.
Visitors can explore the stone ruins, enjoy the scenic hike along the Lower Macleay Trail, take photos, and appreciate the natural surroundings.
While there are legends and lore surrounding the Witch's Castle, its haunted status is part of its mystique rather than confirmed fact. It definitely has an eerie vibe!
You might spot various forest creatures, including birds, squirrels, and famously, banana slugs on the trail.
Restroom facilities are typically limited within Forest Park. It's advisable to use facilities before you begin your hike.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Lore of the Witch's Castle
Despite its mundane origins, local legends and the eerie atmosphere have given rise to its more mystical name. The dense forest setting and the graffiti that now adorns its walls contribute to its mysterious allure, making it a popular spot for those interested in local folklore and urban exploration. While the 'witch' aspect is largely a modern embellishment, the building's isolation and decay have fueled imaginations for decades. It's a place where nature is reclaiming man-made structures, creating a unique and somewhat haunting landscape. The contrast between the sturdy stone walls and the vibrant, ever-changing graffiti adds another layer to its story, making each visit potentially different.
Navigating the Lower Macleay Trail
This trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a quick photography session. The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination, with the sounds of the stream and the dense canopy overhead creating a serene environment. The proximity to parking makes it an easy addition to any Portland itinerary, offering a taste of the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty without a strenuous hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit