There are so many abandoned places in Oregon! This is a list of the top three abandoned places in Oregon. Browse through all abandoned places in Oregon
This is an abandoned children's amusement park in Hope Valley, Rhodes Island. The park was made of fictional cartoon and movie characters and other recreational rides that kids loved and adored. Due to poor management and tough economic times, the enchanted forest was closed, abandoned, and is currently decaying in despair.
In 1972, amusement parks and hotels were the most lucrative business that one would engage in. For this reason, Marcus James and Philip Herlle came together with their savings and decided to open up a small fairytale-themed amusement park for kids. Filled with replica cities and castles from kids’ movies, the newly opened park was irresistible for both parents and their kids.
Roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, the scrambler, and swirling teacups were some of the attractions that made visits to the Enchanted Park memorable for children. To teach the young about environmental preservation and animal petting, a small petting zoo was incorporated in the extensive world-class amusement park. A mini-golf course was among the attractions at the park.
Closure of Enchanted Forest came after only 3 decades of operation, the enchanted forest did fairly well until its ownership changed. Marcus James and Phillip Herlle after making fortunes out of the park decided to sell the property to Harold Fera. Not long afterward, the new owner was hit by hard economic times prompting him to shut the amusement park down. By the 2000s, the enchanted forest was closed down and its attractions sold at auctions and other amusement parks.
What remains of the former amusement park are dilapidated buildings, fallen barns, and stagnant pools of water all over the property. The trails and paths that were once cleanly paved and maintained have been reduced to cracks encouraging the growth of plants and grasses. Graffiti dominates major chunks of the almost falling roofless walls. Slowly but steadily, the Enchanted forest is making sense of its name as the park is rapidly turning into a forest. The thick woodland that now covers a major section of the property is a good breeding place for dangerous animals like snakes. Water that accumulates at the pits and pools on the site can cause serious life-threatening illnesses. The buildings that still stand are also not safe having been built in the 1900s when asbestos was used largely in construction. It is private property and for that reason does not allow trespassers in the property. However, this has not stopped graffiti artists and vandals that have turned the place into a modern-day dumpsite. Of course, with no trash but with the valuables that made it the most preferred family recreational center.
Witch's Castle is a two-story structure built in the middle of Macleay Park, Portland. The structure which was built to serve as a restroom and picnic center in Macleay Park is known by many names. Some call it the Stone House, Macleay Park Shelter, and Witches or Witch's Castle just to mention a few.
In 1964, the Columbus Day storm damaged the sophisticated water supply system. The Stone house became a daunting task to maintain after a failed water system. Due to this, the Bureau of Parks decided to demolish the Stone house though they were never successful. The roof and windows were removed leaving a skeleton of stoned walls and staircase climbing into the concrete structure.
Witch’s castle having faced a potential amount of destruction both from the Parks Bureau and the 1964 Columbus Day storm, it still stands strong. The roof and windows were all removed probably during the demolition attempt process which was never successful. The walls are covered by all kinds of colors of graffiti. Tendrils of climbing plants cover the concrete ruins that remain of the structure giving it a look that resembles the 21st-century witches houses we see in animations. This 1800s architectural ruin has no plans of giving up or collapsing any soon. Witches or witch’s castle got its name from high school teenagers who host illegal parties at the building.
The stone house or whatever you would like to call it is still in Macleay National Park and open to the public to visit. Booking of the tour is done through the Bureau of Parks. When you are free, find time to visit this magnificent architectural ruin that now sits in despair. You will love it.
Pittock’s mansion is a 46- room abandoned mansion built in 1914 by Henry Pittock and his wife Georgina Pittock. Pittock mansion which is located in West Hills, Portland is also called Portland mansion. The mansion stands in despair after it was abandoned years ago.
In 1911, a feud between Henry Pittock and a fellow council member Will Daly emerged, ending Henry’s political career. Will Daly accused Pittock of embezzling county funds to finance his mansion’s water supply. In 1918, Pittock’s wife Georgina died and the following year Henry Pittock also died leaving the mansion to his family. A few years later the family moved out of the house and tried to sell it with no success.
In 1962, the Columbus Day storm caused damage to the building, closing its chances of ever being sold. Portland city with the help of the community raised funds and purchased the building before it was demolished by the owners. The restoration process began shortly afterward and was completed in 1965. It was opened to the public having cost an average of 8 million US dollars to fully restore.
Visitors at the mansion together with the tour guides say they have witnessed eerie activities inside the building. Heavy footsteps can be heard and the scent of Georgina’s favorite roses fills the house at times. Dark figures lurking around and windows or doors shutting on their own are common in the building. Visitors describe that sometimes they see three shadowy figures accompanying them all through the entire tour. The three shadowy figures are said to be Pittock together with his wife and the caretaker of the building who also died.
After renovation Pittock’s Mansion was handed over to the Bureau of Parks and Recreation of the Oregon states which currently maintains and offers tours in and around the property. You can visit Pittock’s mansion anytime as tours are offered almost every other day. Pittock’s mansion attracts over 80,000 people yearly both local and international.