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Here's your plan for an easy, historic hike to Witch’s Castle with nature and spooky backstory. Watch the video 👇

The hike to Witch’s Castle via the Lower MacLeay trail is known & loved among Portlanders, but have you ever wondered about its origin story? 

In this plan, I take you along the hike with me while providing the inside scoop on the history of the Witch’s Castle! 

Interested in more deets? Check out this article: https://oregonessential.com/witchs-castle-portland/

Inner-city hike (includes backstory!) 🧙‍♀️🏰

Start hiking at the Lower MacLeay Trailhead in Northwest Portland, exploring a well-maintained trail featuring lush greenery, wildlife, and historical attractions like the Witch's Castle.

Hiking

✅ Before you go
• Wear comfortable shoes, but don’t worry too much about hiking gear. The trail is super well maintained and easy to navigate.
• Pack water! 
• Note on graffiti: as you can tell, the castle was covered in graffiti when we went (no shade, love the tats). I’ve heard they clean it up every once in a while though, so it may be worth visiting multiple times to try catching it clean! 

💪 Pro tips
• Go in the off season (not summer) to beat the crowds! I loved our winter hike out here because the trails were way less populated and we easily got front row parking. Plus, all the rainfall made the creek flow beautifully! 

Head to the Lower MacLeay trailhead

and moody weather all come together to enhance the

mystery of this iconic landmark in the winter.

Today we're hiking to Portland's famed Witch's Castle!

Start at the Lower MacLeay Trailhead in Northwest Portland.

But what really makes this spot stand out is its history.

the man that owned the land where the witch's house now stands committed murder.

he claimed that his wife had bewitched him into the crime.

even though it happened long before the stone house was built.

combined with the ruins and nature overtaking the stone house,

bring a friend to enjoy the hike with you and share what you learned!

Here’s your ideal daytrip to Astoria – which includes amazing views, antique malls, historical parks, and a shipwreck! 

Spend the Day in Astoria 👒👛

Explore this historic pier turned lively market, grab coffee, enjoy stunning waterfront views, and spot sea lions lounging near Pier 39 in Astoria.

Coffee & Souvenir Shopping

💪 Pro tips
• Don’t forget to look/listen for the sea lions around the corner. 

Pier 39

Browse a variety of unique antiques and vintage treasures at Vintage Hardware, Astoria’s top antique mall located downtown—a must-visit for collectors and curious shoppers alike.

Antique Shopping

💪 Pro tips
• There are a TON of antique malls, but I tagged my favorite one ;)

Antique Malls

Enjoy classic coastal fare like clam chowder and bay shrimp dip at Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, with scenic views if you snag a waterfront table.

Seafood & Chowder Dining

💪 Pro tips
• If it’s nice outside, ask for a table by the water. You’ll get amazing views!

Mo’s Seafood & Chowder

Visit the recreated Lewis and Clark fort, explore museum exhibits, and walk short trails at this historic park that marks the end point of the famous expedition.

Historical site visit

✅ Before you go
• You can use your America the Beautiful Pass here to get in free! Otherwise, it’ll be $10/person. 

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Explore the haunting remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park, a must-see coastal landmark perfect for photography or a beach stroll.

Beach Walk & Shipwreck

✅ Before you go
• There is a parking lot at the end of Peter Iredale Road which will take you right to the spot of the wreck. 

Wreck of Peter Iredale

Enjoy classic burgers and delicious custard with plenty of topping options at Astoria's iconic Custard King drive-in.

Custard & Burgers

💪 Pro tips
• There are so many options for the toppings on the custard – you’ll definitely find your fix!

Custard King

Astoria is one of Oregon's northernmost cities along the

coast and about a 2 hour drive from Portland.

This pier used to be an old fish cannery but has since been

transformed into a fun market of stores where you can get coffee,

I would recommend grabbing some coffee and then

heading behind the building to overlook the water.

There's an amazing view and it's the perfect place to sit and enjoy the moment.

you might even see or hear some sea lions barking to each other.

jump back into your car and head into the city.

One of my favorite things to do in Astoria is walk through all of the antique malls.

There's so many here and they have such cool stuff.

head to Mo's Seafood & Chowder for a classic coastal lunch.

We were lucky and got a spot by the water as we snacked on

this hot bay shrimp dip appetizer and ordered some much needed clam chowder.

This is where Lewis and Clark ended their expedition

and settled for 4 months during the winter.

but they do have a recreation of the fort,

definitely go check out the Wreck of Peter Iredale.

This is located in the Fort Stevens State Park and is super cool to see in person.

You should be able to see it during all tides,

but go at low tide if you want to be able to walk around it and get up close.

which always makes for a great end to the day.

you have to head back through Astoria and grab food at the Custard King.

They have perfect classic burgers and amazing custard.

Head to Hood River for the perfect summer girls day! You’ll enjoy a scenic drive, u-pick fresh fruit, and taste delicious ciders.

Summery Day Trip w/ u-pick & cider flights

Take a scenic drive from Portland to The Gorge White House in Hood River—perfect for a summer day trip with beautiful views and fresh fruit u-pick adventures.

Fruit picking

💪 Pro tips
• try to go early in the day if it’s gonna be a hot one! 

Drive to The Gorge White House in Hood River 

Grab a bucket at the fruit stand and wander the fields to pick fresh, seasonal fruit—an easy, fun way to enjoy the summer harvest with friends.

Fruit Picking

💪 Pro tips
•  all you gotta do is grab a bucket from the fruit stand, go pick, then bring it back to weigh & pay! they’ll have a map of the fruit fields and a list of prices for what’s in season at the fruit stand as well

Do some u-pick 

Savor a cider flight at The Gorge White House, sampling seasonal flavors in a relaxed indoor or outdoor setting with plenty of seating and farm-fresh bites nearby.

Cider Tasting

💪 Pro tips
• This is def enough to split between two people if you don’t drink a lot! We all struggled to finish ours lol
• make it a lil more fun by having everyone secretly rate the ciders then compare answers at the end! 
• grab a bite from their farm fresh food truck which is right in the same area as the fruit stand and cider house! We tried but it was gonna be a 1.5 hour wait (so it must be good!)
• there’s tons of outdoor seating but if it’s really hot out, opt to sit inside the cider house. It seemed like not many people realized there was seating in there!
• if you wanna hit up a cool spot afterwards, we went to Stave and Stone just 12 mins down the road where they’ve got a wine tasting room w/ killer views and good charcuterie, plus lavender fields and a lavender themed shop with lavender soft serve! 

Enjoy a cider flight

Just a scenic drive a little over an hour from Portland,

you'll find an awesome u-pick spot with a killer cider flight and views to pair.

just grab a bucket from the fruit stand and head

out into the fields to pick whatever's in season,

which you can always check on their website.

and it was so much fun to just hang out and chat while we gathered our goods.

Then just head back to the fruit stand to

get everything packed up before hitting the cider house,

which was a welcome escape from the sun for us.

which you can enjoy indoors or at one of the many tables outside.

They also have a farm fresh food cart as well as a field for flower picking.

Definitely make a day out of it and have fun!

learn how to make the perfect bouquet at this u-pick flower farm in NE!

bouquet arranging workshop 💐

Join a bouquet arranging workshop at Sunblossom Farm in NE Portland, where you'll pick your own flowers and learn floral design skills in a fun group setting.

Bouquet arranging

✅ Before you go
• they offer a variety of workshops throughout the year! 
• check the schedule here: https://www.sunblossomfarm.com/workshops
• sign up here: https://sunblossom-farm.square.site

Book your workshop

Join a hands-on bouquet arranging workshop at Sunblossom Farm in Cully, Portland—pick fresh flowers, get pro tips, and create your own beautiful arrangement.

Flower picking

💪 Pro tips
• ask lots of questions! the farm owner is sooo helpful
• pick more flowers than you think you’ll need (a tip from the owner that was so true!)
• all the vases in the studio are made by local artists - if you see one you like, you can purchase it and build your bouquet in it! they’ll also provide you with a standard vase as part of the workshop though :) 

Head to Sunblossom 

I recently took a bouquet arranging workshop at Sunblossom Farm,

It starts in their studio with an intro about the farm and floral arranging.

Then you'll head outside for tips about what's blooming and what

to look for when picking before roaming around to collect flowers.

my friends and I took some really cute little pictures

in the garden before heading back inside to keep going with the workshop.

you'll find super helpful because I usually just throw all my flowers together

but now I know so much more about how to actually make a good bouquet.

It's a 2 hour workshop with a sliding scale price

starting at $65 and includes a vase and refreshments.

Just round up some friends and go enjoy a night at Sunblossom.

Here's your plan for swimming, relaxing in the spa, and visiting adorable farm animals in Happy Valley. Watch the video 👇

Find this unique property on Swimply! A stunning pool, cold plunge and hot tub with the cutest farm animals! 

Salt pool, spa and ranch in Happy Valley 🌿🐐

Swim, soak, and meet adorable farm animals at Happy Ranch Pool in Happy Valley, a scenic ranch offering a heated saltwater pool, hot tub, and outdoor fun.

Swimming and pool relaxation

✅ Before you go
• Book here: https://swimply.com/pooldetails/28804?utm_source=pdp_share_button&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=28804
• Use my code for $10 off! https://swimply.com/referral?ref=NDAwNTQ2&r=g&utm_source=link&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=400546

💪 Pro tips
• Bring sunscreen, towels and food/drink! They have everything else from a bathroom to floaties and toys to a speaker!

Book the Happy Ranch Pool on Swimply! 

Take a dip in the stunning pool and meet the

cutest animals at this unique property in Happy Valley.

Danica and her family have spent years making

this property the oasis that it is today.

It has an outdoor shower and cold plunge to keep you cool.

And a heated saltwater pool with a hot tub

that's refreshing no matter what temperature it is outside.

It feels like you're in a garden with beautiful flowers everywhere you look,

and you can even pet and feed the farm animals that they have on site.

The baby goats were by far the cutest part,

and we were so happy to get to hold them.

You can find the Happy Ranch pool on Swimply and

use the code in the description for $10 off.