The Witch's Castle

The Witch’s Castle in Portland, Oregon, is a site steeped in a mix of historical significance and urban legend. Originally built as a ranger station and restrooms in the 1930s, the stone ruins are now known for their eerie ambiance and storied past. 

The Witch’s Castle is accessible via a moderately challenging half-mile hike from the Upper Macleay Parking lot near the Portland Audubon Society (see the map/GPX track for this option) or a slightly longer three-quarter mile hike from the Lower Macleay Parking lot at NW 30th and Upshur. The Aspen Trail offers another route to reach the ruins, and walking up Thurman Street provides a convenient way to access the trailhead.

History: Before the structure existed, in the mid-1800s, the land was owned by Danford Balch, who hired Mortimer Stump to help clear it. Stump fell in love with Balch’s daughter, Anna, and despite Balch's threats, the couple eloped in 1858. Enraged, Balch murdered Stump upon their return, leading to his own execution in 1859, the first legal execution in Oregon.

The stone building that stands today was constructed near the original Balch homestead and later fell into disrepair after a storm in 1962. Over time, it became covered in moss and graffiti, eventually earning the nickname "The Witch’s Castle" from local high school students who used it as a party spot in the 1980s. Despite its decrepit state, the site remains popular for its intriguing history and the legends that surround it.