Witch's Castle — Attraction in Portland

FROM TALES OF MURDER TO bathrooms to the site of high school keggers, the ruins that are now known as The Witch’s Castle have lived a number of lives, and none of them were very pleasant. In the mid-1800s, well before the structure was built, a man named Danford Balch bought a large portion of land around the area while Portland was still in the process of being developed. It was a big enough area that he had to hire help to clear the area, so he hired a man named Mortimer Stump, who lived in the cabin on the property with Balch’s family of 10. Over time, Stump and Balch’s daughter Anna fell in love, and eventually Stump asked Balch for his Anna’s hand in marriage. Balch refused, resulting in Stump and Anna threatening to elope. Balch became infuriated and told Stump that he would murder him if they did. The young couple didn’t heed the warning, and decided to elope in November of 1858. When Balch learned of the elopement, he became deeply depressed, which led to days of no sleep and of heavy drinking. When the young couple returned to Portland, Balch quickly remedied the situation as he saw fit: He shot Stump in the face with a double-barreled shotgun while all were aboard the Stark Street Ferry. Balch was quickly arrested, but was able to escape from the wooden jail he was held in. This led to his execution in mid-October of 1859, which became the first legal execution in Oregon. After Balch’s death, the property was passed around through different hands down the next century, eventually bequeathed to the city of Portland. In the 1930s, the stone structure that is seen today was built near the site of the Balch homestead. It was maintained by Portland Parks and Recreation, and was used as a park ranger station and restrooms for hikers. In 1962, the structure was heavily damaged in a storm and was abandoned. Moss soon covered the stone walls, the roof caved in, and some people graffitied its walls. It was mostly forgotten until the 1980s, when local high school students found it was a fun place to hold parties. The students named it “the Witch’s Castle” (despite no connection to witches) and made a tradition of holding gatherings on Friday nights, something that still happens today. The Witch’s House is a slightly difficult, half-mile hike from the Upper Macleay Parking lot near the Portland Audubon Society, or a slightly longer three-quarter mile jaunt starting from the Lower Macleay Parking lot at at NW 30th and Upshur. One can take the Aspen trail to get there. A great way of accessing the trailhead is to walk up on...

The Witch's Castle, also known as the Stone House, is located in Portland's Forest Park. Its history is rooted in the early settlement days of the area. Here's an overview:

Early Settlement: The land where the Witch's Castle stands was originally settled in the mid-19th century by Danford Balch and his family. Balch bought the land in 1850 and built a cabin there.

The Tragic Story: In 1858, a feud arose between Danford Balch and his daughter's suitor, Mortimer Stump. Balch did not approve of the relationship, but Stump and Balch's daughter, Anna, eloped and got married. When they returned, Balch threatened to kill Stump. True to his word, Balch shot Stump in front of his family. He was subsequently arrested, tried, and hanged, marking the first legal execution in Oregon's history.

Construction of the Stone House: Many years later, in the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a stone restroom and ranger station at the site. This structure eventually fell into disrepair and was abandoned.

Modern Mythology: Over the years, the ruins of the stone house have acquired a reputation for being haunted, leading to its nickname, the Witch's Castle. Local legends and ghost stories have contributed to its eerie reputation, making it a popular spot for curious visitors and ghost hunters.

Today, the Witch's Castle is a picturesque and slightly spooky ruin that attracts hikers and history enthusiasts exploring...

One of the coolest hikes I've ever been on. The Witch's Castle has no witchcraft history at all but that does not mean this place is not magical. The building served as a restroom for hikers and later became a party hangout and now a popular hiking destination spot. You can learn more about the history online. You reach the castle about a half mile down from the Upper Macleay trail head parking lot. Please be aware that this is a steep hike with roots, running water, and rock crumbling to navigate. This trail is not wheelchair accessible. As far as where I hiked there were no nearby restrooms, so plan accordingly. You will see wildlife, lush plants, tall trees and a creek. It is absolutely beautiful and makes a great spot to snap some cool photos. You can pack some snacks, a book, and/or art supplies if you want to spend some time down there. This a great space to do some earthing or forest bathing. The creek water is cold but nice to stop and dip your toes in on a hot day. The moss covered building remains have been reclaimed by nature and some graffiti artist have put their mark on the structure. It has a little bit of everything.. history.. art.. nature.. It was truly an amazing hike. Adventure is out...