Council Crest Park

Breathtaking Heights & Panoramic Vistas

Perched at 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest Park is one of Portland's highest points, offering a spectacular overlook that makes the journey up worth the effort.

On clear days, you can see five major Cascade Range peaks: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Rainier. The 180-degree panorama of Portland and neighboring towns unfolds below like a living map. Just keep in mind that your mountain-gazing experience depends on the weather and season - tree growth sometimes partially blocks those distant peaks during spring and summer, with autumn often providing the clearest views.

A sweeping eastward view overlooking Portland

Photo: daveynin (CC BY 2.0)

A Summit Steeped in Stories

Before becoming the beloved lookout we know today, this peak went through several identity changes. First known as Talbot's Mountain after its pioneer settlers, then Glass Hill, and later Fairmount. The current name, Council Crest, comes with competing origin stories.

Some say it served as a gathering place for Native American councils, while others trace the name to an 1898 meeting of National Council of Congregational Churches delegates who convened at the summit.

From 1907 to 1929, thrill-seekers flocked to the Council Crest Amusement Park that once crowned this hill. Its centerpiece, a 77-foot wooden observatory, stood until 1941 when it was replaced by the water tower that remains today.

At the vista point on top of the hill

Photo: Deciare (CC BY-SA 2.0)

What to Do While You're Here

The park's 43.51 acres invite exploration via both paved and natural paths. The large grassy area surrounding the summit is popular, especially on summer evenings when locals spread blankets to watch the sunset.

Don't miss the park's artistic treasure - a welded, sheet bronze drinking fountain sculpted by Frederick Littman in 1956, depicting a mother and child. This artwork has an interesting history - it was stolen in the 1980s before being recovered nearly ten years later during a police raid.

One of the park's serene areas is the stone circle at the summit. Standing in its center and speaking produces an echo that many first-time visitors find interesting.

Mount Hood is one of five mountains visible from the top of Council Crest

Photo: jlh_lunasea (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Practical Park Details

The amenities here are fairly minimal - there's a portable toilet rather than permanent restrooms, which can mean waiting during busy times. While there aren't formal playground structures, the open grassy spaces provide plenty of room for kids to run and play. Dog owners will appreciate the off-leash dog area, but since it's unfenced, you'll want to make sure your four-legged friend responds well to voice commands.

You won't find many picnic tables, so bringing a blanket is your best bet if you plan to linger for a meal with a view. There are some benches scattered throughout for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.

The water tower at the top of Council Crest

Photo: Deciare (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Finding Your Way There

The park welcomes visitors daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, year-round. Getting here is part of the adventure - the winding roads leading up make it a favorite challenge for cyclists looking to test their endurance.

You can find parking along the loop road surrounding the park, but spaces fill quickly around sunset. For the more adventurous, hiking trails connect to Council Crest, including links to the Marquam Trail and the innovative 4T Trail (Train, Trail, Tram, and Trolley) route for a car-free Portland experience.