Witch's Castle
4.3(1,157)4.3 out of 5 stars, 1157 reviews Portland, OR
About Witch's Castle
This 'Witch's Castle' is not a themed Halloween attraction with organized activities, but rather a historic stone ruin (often called a 'witches house') located at the end of a short, scenic hiking trail. Its unique value is combining an easy, beautiful nature walk with the exploration of a quirky, graffitied historical landmark, making it an accessible outdoor adventure for families.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a short, easy, and scenic outdoor hike.Parents with dogs who want to bring their pets along for an activity.A casual family outing where the focus is on a pleasant walk and exploring a unique landmark.A low-cost or free activity for families who enjoy nature and historical curiosities.Ideal for children who can walk independently (e.g., 3+ years old) due to the short 0.5-mile hike. Younger children could likely be carried or use a stroller suitable for a trail.
Why families love it
- Short and scenic 0.5-mile hike from Upper Macleay parking lot, making it accessible for families with young children or those seeking an easy outing.
- The 'Witch's Castle' (a stone ruin) is considered 'cool' and 'neat to explore' by visitors, offering a unique landmark at the hike's end.
- The trail and surrounding area are consistently described as beautiful with lovely views, providing enjoyable photo opportunities.
- The hike is pet-friendly, with amenities like trash cans and dog bags available, catering to families who want to bring their pets.
- Visitors generally describe other people on the trail as friendly, respectful, and enjoying the day, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- Short 0.5-mile hike, easily manageable for most families.
Insider tips
- Plan for a short hike; it's only 0.5 miles from the Upper Macleay parking lot.
- Bring your camera as the trail offers 'awesome' views and photo opportunities.
- Be aware that the 'castle' is covered in graffiti; manage expectations if your child is sensitive to such aesthetics.
- If bringing a pet, utilize the provided dog bags and trash cans to 'leave no trace'.
- Expect a casual, friendly atmosphere with other respectful hikers on the trail.
Good to know before you go
- If you are expecting an elaborate, pristine historical site, as the 'castle' is heavily graffitied.
- If you are looking for a typical 'Halloween Kids Activities business' with themed decorations, rides, or organized events, as this is a natural outdoor trail to a ruin.
- If your children are too young to walk even a short distance or if you do not have appropriate gear for a trail (e.g., baby carrier if needed).
- The 'Witch's Castle' ruin is explicitly mentioned as being 'covered in graffiti' by multiple reviewers, which might detract from its historical aesthetic for some parents or children.
- Crowds
- People are described as 'friendly' and 'respectful' while 'enjoying the day', suggesting a moderate and pleasant crowd level, not overly crowded or chaotic.
- Value
- Appears to be a free public park/trail access, as no entry fees or pricing are mentioned. The value comes from a pleasant, accessible outdoor experience at no cost.
- Food
- No food policy mentioned, as it is an outdoor public trail. Visitors are advised to pack out what they pack in.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned. As a hiking trail, it should be assumed standard trail conditions, which may not be fully wheelchair or stroller accessible for all sections, though the 0.5-mile length from parking suggests it's generally manageable.
- Safety
- No specific safety features beyond general park/trail safety (e.g., trash cans for cleanliness, dog bags). Implies a relatively safe environment due to the short distance and presence of other hikers.
What parents say
"WOW, what a colorful place with such a lovely aroma of flowers, next time I will bring the whole church to this wonderful place. - Wonderful views from the balconies and windows and the open veranda is just so lovely. - There is a bathroom and no wait so you will be ok. - Love the view of the Willamette River from there, so pretty. - People were so friendly and the host was so nice, thank you everyone."
a week ago
"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."
2 weeks ago
"Beautiful scenic short (half mile) hike. The “castle” is covered in graffiti but it’s still a neat space to explore. Pet friendly hike, there are trash cans and dog bags if you need them so please leave no trace."
3 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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