Unbeknownst to many, there are a surprising number of trails near Portland, each just as gorgeous as the next. But deep in the woods of Forest Park lies a unique abandoned structure that is surrounded by decades of lore, including tales of witches and murder. The actual stone structure was originally built for public use in the 1930s, but was abandoned after it fell into disrepair in the 1960s. However, it was built on the site of the Balch Cabin, the scene of an infamous murder in the 1800s, and has been known as the Witch’s Castle ever since. Ready to see it for yourself? Grab a camera and some hiking boots – this is one of the best hikes in Portland!

Forest Park's Wildwood Trail will lead you right to the abandoned remains.
One of the best hikes in Portland: the Wildwood Trail.
Rachel P/GoogleMaps
When you have some time, there are plenty of cool trails here to explore, including some of the best hikes in Portland.
From the Upper Macleay parking lot, the trail is a half mile, or from the Lower Macleay parking lot you can take the Lower Macleay Trail, a slightly longer option at three-quarters of a mile.
albedo20 / Flickr
Formerly a ranger station and public restroom, the structure is covered in moss and looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale.
Brandon Siefert / Flickr
The roof of the building caved in the 1960s, and was largely abandoned until in the late 80s high school students began frequenting the spot and dubbed it the "Witch's Castle."
But further back still, this spot was home to Danford Balch, who bought the property in the mid-1800s.
Marie / Flickr
He needed help clearing the land, and hired a local man, Mortimer Stump, to do the job.
Mortimer Stump moved into the cabin with Balch's family of 10, and began work on the project.
Tom Thering/GoogleMaps
However, as legend has it, he also fell in love with Balch's oldest daughter, who was just 15 years old at the time.
Stump asked Balch for the hand of his daughter, and when Balch refused, the two ran off together.
Marie / Flickr
Balch stated that he would murder Stump if he married his daughter, but this did not stop the two from eloping.

Related Stories

8 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone Around Portland Should Take

8 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone Around Portland Should Take

 9 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Portland

9 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Portland

 7 Amazing Portland Hikes Under 3 Miles You'll Absolutely Love

7 Amazing Portland Hikes Under 3 Miles You'll Absolutely Love
When the young couple returned, Balch made good on his promise and shot Stump, killing him instantly.
Marie / Flickr
Balch was arrested, but managed to escape rather easily from the local jail.
However, by mid-October of 1859, Balch was hung for the murder, making him the first legally executed person in Oregon.
Marie / Flickr
The property of Danford Balch changed hands several times before ending up with the city as part of Forest Park.
Robert Tuck / Flickr
The namesake Balch Creek runs through Macleay Park, which is a park of Forest Park.
Balch later said that his wife "bewitched" him, which ultimately led to the murder.
Katarina / Flickr
No one will ever know what really happened, but you can go visit this abandoned Witch's Castle and see the remains of this spooky structure for yourself. There are also a number of ghost stories and prominent supernatural legends surrounding this area, so who knows what sort of hauntings you'll stumble upon! Keep your ears open for nails scraping the rock surface of the structure, for leaves shifting without any breeze, and be alert to the extra chill that will no doubt envelop you when you climb the stairs.
Fortunately, this is one of the best hikes in Portland no matter the season - ghostly presences aside.
Rachel P/GoogleMaps
Kay Kiss Photography
Sadly, however, time has not been kind to this castle in the trees, and few parts of the structure remain that have been untouched by graffiti. Be sure to leave the area better than you found it!
Kim Kasch/GoogleMaps

Have you been to the Witch’s Castle? Do you have any recommendations for other things to do in the area? Let us know in the comments below! Next, to check out even more of the best hikes in Portland, add these 9 easy trails to your bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Hikes in Portland & Related Info

Jennifer | December 09, 2022

Are there any castles in Oregon?

While Oregon isn't home to any castles once occupied by royalty, there are a few private homes around the state that have been designed using traditional materials and techniques. Some of these castle-like structures in Oregon can be visited, rented, or accessed with permission, but many remain private or are currently in ruins after decades of weathering:

  • Blackberry Castle, Portland
  • Creswell Castle, Creswell
  • The Witch's Castle, Portland
  • Castle Estate, Portland
  • Reed College, Portland
  • Piggott's Castle, Portland

 

What are the coolest abandoned places to visit in Oregon?

Keeping safety top-of-mind is paramount when exploring abandoned places in Oregon. Stick with well-known locations that offer official tours and viewing areas, such as Oregon's coolest abandoned and living ghost towns, and official historical trails:

  • Fort Rock Valley
  • Fort Stevens State Park
  • Guano Creek
  • Kinton
  • Peter Iredale Shipwreck
  • Tiller

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA