Council Crest Park
Council Crest Park
4.5
About
Beautful park overlooking the city and offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
63 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
22
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jim W.
Atlanta, GA1,356 contributions
Jul 2022
A local friend recommended driving up to this park for great sunset views. She was not wrong, and our timing turned out to be good.
You first have to commit to driving several miles up into the hills at the edge of the city (it seemed like the edge; I freely admit my local knowledge of Portland is relatively limited). As the name implies, this park is literally on the crest of a major hill, with commanding views in several directions (it would be all directions, but there are also a lot of trees around the perimeter. You can clearly see Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood.
We arrived around 8:20 p.m. or so in the summer. There is a large grassy area around the summit which was filled with picnickers. A short loop road surrounds the grass, and also is where you must park. This leads to a lot of parallel parking and the associated excitement with that. I nearly hit some cyclist who opted not to break speed or yield at all as I was maneuvering (I never saw him until he zipped by). I do some cycling to, but I'd have let the large car get out of the way, had it been me. There is a sporadic stream of cars circling the summit for spaces, so I think we lucked out, frankly.
Still, it was worth the 15-minute drive and the parking to check this out, especially at dusk.
You first have to commit to driving several miles up into the hills at the edge of the city (it seemed like the edge; I freely admit my local knowledge of Portland is relatively limited). As the name implies, this park is literally on the crest of a major hill, with commanding views in several directions (it would be all directions, but there are also a lot of trees around the perimeter. You can clearly see Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood.
We arrived around 8:20 p.m. or so in the summer. There is a large grassy area around the summit which was filled with picnickers. A short loop road surrounds the grass, and also is where you must park. This leads to a lot of parallel parking and the associated excitement with that. I nearly hit some cyclist who opted not to break speed or yield at all as I was maneuvering (I never saw him until he zipped by). I do some cycling to, but I'd have let the large car get out of the way, had it been me. There is a sporadic stream of cars circling the summit for spaces, so I think we lucked out, frankly.
Still, it was worth the 15-minute drive and the parking to check this out, especially at dusk.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison E
Portland, OR9 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Most Portlanders know Council Crest is a fabulous place to catch mountain views, city views, and river views, as well as watch the hard core cyclists puff their way to the top. But not everyone knows about the acoustics of the paved area at the very top. If you stand in the exact center and clap your hands (with delight at the view, for example), you'll hear the sound come back at you and then some. Kids will enjoy shouting from the center to hear themselves amplified. It's a fun little feature to share with visitors.
Written August 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale F
Portland, OR12 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
Park overlooking Portland area and surrounding mountains at the top of Council Crest.
Site of an early amusement park with a trolley up the hill to the top. Great for relaxing, picnicing, viewing and jogging trails.
Site of an early amusement park with a trolley up the hill to the top. Great for relaxing, picnicing, viewing and jogging trails.
Written July 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SS B
Raleigh, NC24 contributions
Jul 2016
We were trying to get an unobstructed view of gorgeous snow capped Mt Hood by going to Council Crest Park. The road to was very curvy but upon arrival so worth it. This park is now a serene place in Portland that, when the summer haze lifts, should provide great views of Mt Hood and other sights. We were there at a sunny yet hazy time of day. While there we saw a few others engaged in hiking, walking and sitting. There were interesting historical markers. One described the era when Council Crest Park was an amusement park accessible by horse, car and public transportation. It was a great attraction that closed Labor Day 1929. Of course the ensuing US financial debacle in October 1929 put the veritable nail in the enterprise. Later in the day we saw Mt Hood as the haze lifted but we were in another Portland location by then. I understand Council Crest Park is one place to be to see majestic Mt Hood at the right time, so patience is rewarded. I will go again when in this area and recommend it to others.
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HNL2SFO
Pacifica, CA49 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Nice high point with panoramic views of Portland. Would’ve been better if the trees didn’t obstruct our view. We saw a bald eagle fly by. That was cool. Lots of parking and grassy areas to spread out a blanket and relax.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike McKenzie
Portland, OR83 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
The views here are amazing. From this vantage point you get unobstructed views of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams and a peekaboo view of Mount Rainier. If you have a day to enjoy this park, consider doing the 4 T Trail (Tram, trolley, train and trail). Or just take a picnic lunch up to the park and relax and enjoy. Kid and dog friendly.
Written May 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hannahauste
Toledo, OH3 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Beautiful hike on an early Sunday afternoon visiting from South Carolina. View at the top was great, however the hike is amid neighborhoods and houses and at one point two different leaf blowers were going off in different directions for the duration of the hike. One star off for lack of peace
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymon G
Citra, FL103 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
A beautiful setting with a phenomenal view in multiple directions. Great walking trails lead to and from the park.
Written October 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milestogo007
Portland, OR493 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
I woke up early on the 4th of July and due to the holiday the gym where I work out was closed. I decided I needed to do an uphill hike to get my exercise in. I also wanted to eat barbecue and because Matt's BBQ sells out early most days I was going to have to eat BBQ first, then do the hike. To eat a huge meal before a strenuous hike is unconventional but I took inspiration reading about the training habits of professional boxer Two Ton Tony Galento who ate 52 hot dogs shortly before his fight with Arthur DeKuh and after 3 listless rounds mustered the energy to knock DeKuh out with a left hook. I felt I could conquer the 900 feet of elevation gain from Marquam Nature Park to Council Crest Park after a huge meal of BBQ and I was correct. With my brisket infused body I sped up the trail which has numerous switchbacks as it winds it way up to Council Crest Park. What is amazing is you get to walk past some of the most exotic architectural residences in Portland. I was able to play that game I call, "What rich people have and I never will". You have two road crossings where you need to be careful and look for cars. A couple more switchbacks and I was at Council Crest Park which is very beautiful with manicured lawns, benches, flowers, trees, a famous statue of a woman with child, and a place where you can view all the mountains. It was very impressive and I was able to see quite a few of the mountains. I walked around and explored the park and also took a rest. As I made my way back down the trail I was able to concentrate on mindfulness. I was thinking about this Theosophist that use to work at Hooters and how this photo of her in a bikini was so inspirational because never has such a small amount of clothing done so much for so many. She should get a Nobel Prize! I finished the 3.7 mile round trip walk in good time. Lots of cute dogs out on the trail today and all of them friendly. I highly recommend this hike.
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heuster3
Barstow, CA2,142 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Cako loved running through the open field and running through the pine trees. She managed to make a new friend each time since she wants other dogs to chase her! Depending on the time of day you go, it seems quite pleasant. Except for the agressive dog owner that tailgated us one day.
Luckily we were staying in the neighborhood so we brought her here everyday to run around. Park hours are great! Rules are pretty straight forward. There are other areas to walk around, but we mainly stayed in this one area. We'll definitely be back if our travels bring us this way again!
Cako Approves!
Luckily we were staying in the neighborhood so we brought her here everyday to run around. Park hours are great! Rules are pretty straight forward. There are other areas to walk around, but we mainly stayed in this one area. We'll definitely be back if our travels bring us this way again!
Cako Approves!
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to drive to the viewpoint? I’d like to take someone that is unable to hike.
Written October 14, 2019
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