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.
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.
Formerly a ranger station and public restroom, the structure is covered in moss and looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale.
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.
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.
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.
Balch stated that he would murder Stump if he married his daughter, but this did not stop the two from eloping.
When the young couple returned, Balch made good on his promise and shot Stump, killing him instantly.
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.
The property of Danford Balch changed hands several times before ending up with the city as part of Forest Park.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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