Lower MacLeay Trail

Description

Lower MacLeay Trail winds through one of Portland, Oregon’s most beloved green spaces, where city noise fades away almost the moment you step onto the path. Locals know it as one of those trails that feels far more remote than it really is. The route follows Balch Creek beneath a lush canopy of Douglas fir and bigleaf maples, and there’s an earthy scent in the air that has a calming effect almost instantly. It’s a short out-and-back trail, roughly 3 miles round trip, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in atmosphere and story.

And there’s quite a story here. About halfway along, hikers stumble upon the ruins of the so-called Witch’s Castle (sometimes called the Stone House), a mossy stone structure tucked into the forest, known by locals as one of Portland’s most curious and photogenic landmarks. The structure’s mysterious name, paired with its fairytale setting along the creek, gives it a strange magic—especially on misty mornings or just before sunset when the light filters through the trees. I remember standing there one October afternoon, raindrops ticking off the leaves, wondering how a place so close to the city could feel so isolated, almost cinematic.

This trail is part of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States. It’s an area where joggers, birdwatchers, families with kids, and dog owners all somehow share the same narrow path without disturbing its quiet rhythm. The trail’s accessibility and gentle grade make it friendly for most fitness levels, and it’s among the more kid- and pet-friendly hikes you’ll find within minutes of downtown Portland.

The Lower MacLeay Trail manages to achieve something that modern city life rarely allows—a genuine, refreshing connection to nature without requiring a long drive away from everything. The public restrooms and picnic tables near the entrance make it practical for families or anyone planning to linger after a hike. It’s the kind of place that invites both quick morning walks before work and long contemplative strolls on the weekend. Even after dozens of visits, somehow it still feels new each time.

Key Features

• Easy out-and-back trail covering approximately 3 miles round trip through gorgeous Oregon forest
• Located within Forest Park, one of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States
• Highlights include Balch Creek and the historic Witch’s Castle ruins
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and designated accessible parking area
• Pet-friendly environment allowing dogs on leash
• Family-friendly route with gentle inclines, perfect for kids or light afternoon strolls
• Opportunities for birdwatching, jogging, walking, and connecting to the Wildwood Trail for a longer hike
• Public amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables near the base of the trail
• Year-round greenery supported by Portland’s mild, moist climate
• Popular among locals for easy access to nature from the urban core

Best Time to Visit

Honestly, there’s really no wrong time to explore Lower MacLeay Trail. Portland’s seasons each bring a different type of beauty. Spring paints the forest floor with bright wildflowers, and fresh moss glows neon green against the damp rocks. Summer offers long days—sometimes too warm in the city, but here under the trees, it’s comfortably cool and shaded. Autumn, though, might be the trail’s most photogenic moment. The leaves turn golden and fall in slow motion into Balch Creek, and every corner looks like a painting.

If you happen to wander here in winter, the light drizzle and misty air make the forest feel almost mystical. Some people avoid Portland’s wet months, but I’ve always thought this is when the trail shows its truest face. The mud might be deep in places, so wear shoes you don’t love too much, but the sound of the creek and smell of wet cedar are absolutely worth it. Early morning visits are quietest, before the joggers and families appear, and if you come on a weekday, you might have long stretches of solitude all to yourself.

How to Get There

Getting to Lower MacLeay Trail is straightforward. It starts from the lower section of Forest Park on the northwest side of Portland, close to residential neighborhoods and within minutes of major city routes. Public transit brings you surprisingly close—it’s one of those perks of Portland life where you can finish a cup of coffee in a downtown café and be walking through old-growth forest half an hour later. Parking is limited but manageable if you arrive early. There’s a small lot at the trailhead and street parking nearby.

For cyclists, the area connects to nearby bike-friendly streets that make combining a morning ride and a walk completely doable. Even though you’re right in the city, once you step onto the trail, it feels like the urban world falls away. The transition from pavement to forest soil happens in a matter of steps. You’ll follow Balch Creek upstream, crossing charming wooden bridges and staying mostly shaded the entire way.

If you’re the kind of person who loves options, you can extend the hike by connecting to the Wildwood Trail, which snakes deep into Forest Park for dozens of miles. That’s one of the reasons people keep coming back. You can make the same trail feel different every time depending on how far or how fast you want to go.

Tips for Visiting

A few personal suggestions go a long way when planning your walk here. First, wear layers. Even on warm days, the forest stays cooler than expected. The temperature can drop quickly, especially when clouds roll in or if you stop near the creek’s edge. Portland’s weather is notorious for switching moods in a matter of minutes—sunshine, drizzle, back to sunshine again.

Second, good footwear matters. The path can be muddy year-round, with slick roots and stones that get even trickier after rain. Waterproof shoes or hiking boots are your best friends here. If you’re traveling with kids, bring spare socks; trust me, they will end up exploring the creek edge, shoes and all. Dog owners—bring bags and keep leashes short; it’s a shared space, and wildlife passes through, particularly birds and squirrels that don’t appreciate surprise chases.

Morning and late afternoon light create the kind of glow photographers dream about, especially near Witch’s Castle. Speaking of which, that structure can feel a bit eerie at first glance. Locals share all kinds of stories about its origin—some with historical truth, others pure folklore—but whichever version you believe, it’s a fascinating stop that adds depth to your walk. I once met an older man there who told me he’d proposed to his partner in that very spot thirty years earlier, back when the stairs were less overgrown. It made me see the place differently, as more than a curious ruin—but a backdrop to people’s own stories woven into the land.

If you’re picnicking, use the designated tables near the trail entrance rather than bringing food deeper into the forest; forest animals have learned that people sometimes leave snacks behind, and that’s rarely good for them. Public restrooms are available near the start of the trail too, which makes it convenient for families. And if you’re visiting during Portland’s rainy season (which, let’s be real, is most of the year), bring a light rain jacket with a hood rather than an umbrella—it’s easier to move under low branches that way.

Lastly, take your time. Lower MacLeay isn’t long, but it’s full of small details you might miss if you rush—the curling ferns, moss-covered stones, the sound of the water hitting fallen branches. There’s something grounding about that rhythm, a reminder that even in a bustling city like Portland, pieces of quiet wilderness remain. And walking it never feels the same twice. You may find the air smells sweeter one day after the rain or that the creek runs lower later in summer. Every version of the trail tells a new story. That, in my mind, is the magic of Lower MacLeay Trail—a small, beautiful slice of Portland life where nature and history meet in the heart of the city.