The park contains the historic ruins of the 'Stone House,' constructed in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration.
Balch Creek, which runs through the park, is one of the few urban streams in the region that supports a small population of wild coastal cutthroat trout.
The Lower Macleay Trailhead provides the most common pedestrian connection between the city's urban grid and the 5,200-acre Forest Park system.
The park is situated within one of the largest forested municipal parks in the United States.
Macleay Park serves as a primary access point for the Lower Macleay Trail, a forested corridor within Portland’s expansive Forest Park. The terrain features a dense second-growth Douglas fir canopy, offering significant tree cover and cooling along Balch Creek. The park connects to the iconic Wildwood Trail, allowing hikers to reach Pittock Mansion via the Upper Macleay Trail. A prominent highlight of the site is the Stone House, the moss-covered remains of a 1930s structure formerly known as the WPA-built restroom facility. The area is highly regarded for its creek-side path and proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a rugged wilderness feel. Trail conditions vary significantly by season due to heavy precipitation common in the Pacific Northwest.
The moss-covered stone archway of the Stone House ruins.
Wear waterproof, high-traction hiking boots, as the creek-side trails remain muddy throughout much of the year.
Bring a basic trail map or GPS, as cellular reception can be intermittent once you move deeper into the forest.
Check the Forest Park Conservancy website for current trail closure alerts caused by landslides or downed trees.
Do not attempt to climb or enter the ruins of the Stone House, as the masonry is fragile and potentially hazardous.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive undergrowth; keep all dogs on a physical leash at all times.
