Witch’s Castle in Forest Park

Portland has a rich haunted history underneath its rosy façade. Some of these places may be a little too terrifying for little ones, but others provide a wonderful opportunity for a spine-tingling family trip and a great opportunity to learn a little something about Portland history or creepy creatures along the way!

Beginning from the Upper Macleay Trail Head (the parking lot just east of the Audobon Society) in Forest Park, you can ascend the short half mile along the river on the Wildwood trail to the “Witch’s Castle,” a dilapidated structure in the woods that will set imaginations afire. There is actually a very bloody legend about the former tenants of this forest home—but your kids don’t need to know that. It will be plenty scary just as it is.