Photo by Adam Sawyer
The Balch Creek canyon gently winds its way from the Upper Macleay Park trail head (near the Audubon Society on Cornell Road), to the lower trailhead at the end of Northwest Upshur Street. What lies between is one of the most beautiful urban canyons to be found anywhere.
The transition from crowded city streets to peaceful canopied trail and flourishing canyon happens so quickly that you’ll find it hard to believe the car is parked only 200 yards away. This is just part of what makes the Balch Creek area so special.
Leaving from the lower trailhead at the terminus of Northwest Upshur street, the trail begins smooth and paved as it enters the canyon. But the concrete soon ends, and the surroundings become more wild and lush as the canyon walls rise. The largest Doug fir trees in Portland are in this part of the park, as well as native cutthroat trout. Discovered in 1987, the small population of trout that reside in the creek helped solidify efforts to restore the health of the entire watershed.
After about a mile you’ll come to a junction with the Wildwood Trail. Just past this turnoff are the old stone ruins known as “The Witch’s Castle.” Despite its medieval appearance, what remains here are the remnants of an elaborate bathroom erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the ‘30s (though what you tell the kids about the mossy, fern-covered tribute to spookiness is entirely up to you).
The path continues along the creek until the trail ascends up three long switchbacks to the Upper Macleay Park trail head, half a mile from the old ruins. Enjoy a picnic with the family here or visit the Audubon Society before heading back down to the car. The entire excursion makes for a very family-friendly, 3-mile, 300-foot elevation gain hike.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
