Witch's Castle
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
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.
Key Highlights
- ✓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.
Standout Features
- ⭐Short 0.5-mile hike, easily manageable for most families.
- ⭐Scenic views along the trail, offering beautiful natural surroundings.
- ⭐Pet-friendly trail with practical amenities like trash cans and dog bags.
- ⭐Unique historical ruin to explore, providing an interesting destination.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →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.
Things to Consider
- ⚠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.
Price & 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.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •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.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No food policy mentioned, as it is an outdoor public trail. Visitors are advised to pack out what they pack in.
🚗Parking Info
- •Dedicated parking is available at the 'Upper Macleay parking lot', which is the starting point for the 0.5-mile hike.
👥Crowd Levels
- •People are described as 'friendly' and 'respectful' while 'enjoying the day', suggesting a moderate and pleasant crowd level, not overly crowded or chaotic.
🛡️Safety Features
- •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.
⏰When to Avoid
- • 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).
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
peter “Diz” disbury
a week agoWOW, 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.
Destiney Escamilla
2 weeks agoWe 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.
Aspen Bernier
3 months agoBeautiful 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.
Stephen Harriman
a week agoNice little hike. The witches house is pretty cool. Too bad it is covered in graffiti.
chris ostrander
a month agoIt was a lovely walk, and the other people on the trail were respectful and friendly.